Colleen K. Street
July 7, 1954 – July 4, 2019
Colleen K. Street went to her Heavenly home on July 4, 2019, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She and her husband, John, made their home in Grand Island until recently moving to Omaha.
Colleen was born on July 7, 1954, to Russell and Eleanora Johnson in Columbus, NE. She was raised in Stromsburg, NE where she graduated from High School in 1972. She later received both her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in special education from Kearney State College. Her special education teaching career started with Educational Service Unit #9 in Hastings in 1976 working with young adults with developmental disabilities. Colleen later spent the rest of her teaching career with the Grand Island Public Schools/Central Nebraska Support Service Program as a special education teacher and consultant, retiring in 2012.
Colleen will be remembered for her kind and warm heart, never-ending smile, her love of children, family and friends. She is survived by her husband, John of Omaha; children, Andrea and husband Luke Karohl of Omaha, and Kayla and husband Dustin Hunt of East Lansing, Michigan; grandchildren, Eleanora and Layla Karohl, along with many extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, July 12th at 10am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 11th from 4pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. Interment: Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or Methodist Hospital Foundation-Cancer Care.
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Colleen was an avid reader who loved classic rock. In 1979 she was named Outstanding Woman of America-General Federation of Women’s Clubs; and in 1981, Young Woman of Nebraska-Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s Club. A past PTA Board Member, Colleen’s memberships included Nebraska State Education Association (retired) and National Education Association (retired). She was also a past member of Chapter 11 PEO, Grand Island, NE.
Colleen never spoke badly of anyone, and if you were a friend, you were a friend for life. Her grandchildren were everything to her and she found peace spending time at the cabin on Johnson Lake. The consummate teacher, Colleen was caring, loving, and patient with her students, teaching them with enthusiasm and passion.
Throughout her illness, Colleen was an inspiration and example to others as she faced adversity with strength and grace. Always positive and upbeat, she embodied everything that was good, kind, and fun. With her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she grew to love a dirty gin martini, and she went from liking her steak well done to learning to enjoy it medium rare!
25 Comments
I love you forever and always, my sweet Aunt Colleen! We will meet again ❤️
Aunt Coleen was one of the kindest people I have ever met, she was always smiling and laughing. I am sorry for your loss, she was truly a loss for the world. I look forward to the day where we see her again. I love you. Adam
Dear John, Andrea and Kayla.
I am saddened by the fact we did not make it to see you and Colleen in time. She was a wonderful, genuine person.
I remember when we were all working at Cattlemen’s and John and Colleen started to date. I saw a happiness spread over her quickly and it lasted forever.
We will be in Arizona on business during Colleen’s services, but I hope we can see you soon.
Prayers and love,
Wendy and Tim Hughes
So sorry to hear of your loss. Colleen was a bridesmaid in my wedding. Had a lot of fun with her in high school.
I am so sorry. I worked with colleen at gips. She was an awesome person and a fierce advocate for our children
I was so sorry to learn of Colleen’s passing. She was one of the kindest gentle people. She will surely Rest In Peace.
We always enjoyed visiting with Colleen and John when they came to Texas. Colleen had the best smile!
I had the pleasure of working closely with Colleen when I was a school nurse, and later as a teacher with GIPS. She was an excellent educator, always looking for the best way to help special education students. Chuck and I send our prayers to John and the girls as they go through this difficult time.
John: thinking of you and your family at this time of great loss. Saying prayers for you and your family.
So very sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing, but comforted to know that her struggle has passed. A kind, dear, and loving soul will be missed by the many lives she touched…
My dearest Colleen and family. There are no words that can describe what Colleen meant and does mean to me and my family. Thank you for loving all of us. At a time like this it is so hard to put into words your true feelings. Thank God for opening his arms and taking Colleen into his heavenly kingdom. Colleen is WHOLE again and spreading her loving arms around each and everyone of us, especially John. And remember this is not goodbye it is we’ll see you soon. From the Sprod family, James Bruhn family, Jason Bruhn family, and myself.
John, we are so sorry for your loss. May you and your family feel God’s presence and comfort in the difficult days ahead. Colleen was a beautiful person in every way.
I am honored and was blessed to have worked with colleen in a number of capacities over the years. She was a true caring quality professional who always had ehat was best for kids at the forefront. I am sorry to all of you for the loss
Sending our condolences to John and the family of Colleen. I knew her as a coworker and as a parent. She was always friendly and helpful. Sending prayers and caring thoughts.
Street Family please know I am thinking of you all with your loss. Colleen had a great smile which was on her face whenever I was around. I saw her in Omaha when I lived there and was so happy to be closer to family. Hugs.
So sorry to hear about Colleen’s passing. I remember so well sitting with John and her going through our CNSSP training and having a few laughs together. She will be missed!
So sorry to hear about Colleen’s passing. I remember sitting with John and her at our CNSSP training and having a few laughs!
Words cannot express enough to say that Colleen was an Amazing woman, and a great loss to this World… Ever since childhood, always seeing and talking with Colleen… There was Never judgement, I only Ever saw loving and embracing arms. Always smiling and giving something for you to smile about. When she talked to you, she had a way of making it feel like she was only talking to you. Strong inviting personality i will ALWAYS remember and cherish.. I will always LOVE YOU AUNTIE
So sorry for your loss. Colleen was a great friend and we enjoyed many a fun trip carpooling to teach at Wood River . She was a wonderful teacher.
Dear Cousin John, and Andrea, Kayla
So sorry to hear this sad news and shocked that I ve never known her struggling with the cancer. Thinking of you and all the street family for such a loss. I still remember Colleen was so kind to me when I visited US alone 30 years ago, at the time I was feeling uneasiness since I couldn’t understand english at all. she was always smiling to speechless me and trying to understand what I wanted. I remember at the playground where we visited, I wanted to ride on a jet coaster again and again but I just hesitated. However, Only colleen kindly realized my wish, and she taking me to it together. Colleen was such a wonderful kind person.
I will convey this news to SOEKAWA family in Japan. Always love you from Tokyo.
Went to high school and college with that sweet heart. She went way to early but god must have needed a very special teacher up there, He got the best!!
John, Andrea, Kayla and your families….I am SO VERY SORRY to hear of Colleen’s passing. She was the most thoughtful, compassionate human being and one amazing teacher!! May God wrap you all in his loving arms and bring you comfort, strength, and peace.
WE are so sorry for your loss.
I was saddened to see the news about Colleen. She was my supervising teacher for student teaching at Hastings High School. Her enthusiasm and passion for teaching was amazing! Always positive and upbeat, it was always wonderful to see her at workshops and meetings. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sandra and I are very sorry to learn of Coleen’s passing.
Although we did not have the opportunity to meet her it is obvious she was well respected and loved by many. Sandra and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
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