J’laine L. (King) Minden

J’laine L. (King) Minden

May 17, 1969 – September 21, 2021

VISITATION: Sunday, September 26th from 4pm to 7 pm at West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICES: Monday, September 27th at 1 pm at West Center Chapel.  Interment: Flower Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.

To view live broadcasts of the Funeral and Graveside Services, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Early one Saturday morning a beautiful little girl came into the lives of John and Elaine (Cross) King. As they thought of names for this sweet gift from God, they decided to choose the blending of their names, the “J” from dad and “laine” from mom making her the unique and one of kind J’laine. As a baby she was not fussy and drew in the attention of her loving family with her big smile and giggles. Shortly thereafter the family was blessed with her two adored siblings Johnna and Joey. The three grew up quickly and it became apparent to her siblings and the world who was in charge.

As J’laine grew up she especially enjoyed her teenage years with her many friends from elementary, middle, and high school. Her friends will remember her for her kindness, precious smile, willingness to do her share, and pushing them to be their best. She was active in athletics (Volleyball, Basketball and Track). She played on three state tournament Basketball Teams and excelled as a three-year Medalist in Shotput and Discus as a member of the Track Team. She was active in Band, FHA, and Drama as well as other clubs and activities. The skills and education she got from Pleasanton School District helped her develop into a natural leader as well as prepare her for college and beyond. During her middle and high school years, those baby giggles and teenage chattiness developed into something more. That is what we all came to know and love: her signature laugh, booming voice and general friendliness that ties so closely to her one of kind name.

When a new teacher, who happened to have the same last name, moved to town the relationship that developed between her mother with Alan and Traci King, as well as the birth of their children Aaron and Kerry taught J’laine that family did not have to be by blood. J’laine, Johnna and Joey took on the roles of big sisters and brother.

After graduating from Pleasanton High School with honors she continued her education at Fort Scott Community College, where she entered as a sophomore after completing 30+ hours of her Associate’s degree during high school. She proceeded to attend Pittsburg State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She completed her degree in three years so that she and her high school sweetheart Brad Minden could start their lives together. The love she had for Brad was un-wavering, she always called him her “Brad Pitt”! They married June 16, 1990 and relocated to St. Louis for Brad’s career. While they were in St. Louis, J’laine taught in the Ferguson Florissant school district. Brad was transferred to Omaha, NE where they would build their family and married life together. J’laine continued her elementary teaching at Sunny Slope Elementary. While at Sunny Slope, she created special bonds with her students and teaching associates. In 1992, they built their first home in Autumn Ridge, becoming close with many of their neighbors. These neighbors and teachers turned into their family away from home, and lifetime friends. Brad and J’laine started a family in 1997, welcoming Blaine. A little over a year later, they would welcome another baby boy, Blake, into their family. The boys became the light of her life. She loved them to the moon and back and would have done anything to help them. In order to increase her availability and influence on the boys, she left teaching and became an entrepreneur. Her Blimpie was one of the top producers in the Omaha market for the ten and a half years that she operated it. Towards the end, she helped Brad start Minco Specialty Contracting. After her boys graduated from Millard, she renewed her teaching license and taught at Montclair Elementary where she created many more special bonds. She loved teaching and mentoring children because she had the ability to nurture them. Once again, the family was expanded on May 22nd, 2020, when Blaine invited Sanya to join the family. On August 6th, 2021, after much anticipation, J’laine had the privilege of watching as Blaine and Sanya were able to publicly be married with an appropriate celebration that followed.

As J’laine’s family expanded in Omaha, they made frequent trips back home to visit and watch the expansion of her siblings’ families. She was overjoyed that her sister, Johnna, married Robert Roos. Her brother, Joey, married his high school sweetheart, Brooke Pointer, and their family expanded to include Grant, Olivia, Brody, and Ryder. She loved these children dearly and spoiled them regularly.

J’laine’s family wants to acknowledge and thank our Omaha family. With special thanks to the John and Tammy Fuller family, Casey Riedwalt, Cathy Sopenski, and the Jim and Karen Granger family for their love and support in these trying times as well as all the happiness that they brought J’laine and her family over the years.

She was preceded in death: by her grandparents: Earl King and Betty (Johnson) King – Crowthers and Charlie Crowthers; Don William Cross and Marguriette (Fosters) Cross; aunts and uncles: Connie Joe King, Bruce Robinson, Melvin Brooks and Barbara (Cross) Brooks, Bill Knapp.

She is survived by her parents, Johnnie Leroy King and Elaine (Cross) King; husband, Bradley Gene Minden; children: Blaine William Minden and Sanya (Tuncan) Minden, Blake Nolan Minden; siblings: Johnna (King) Roos and Robert Roos, Joey and Brooke (Pointer) King; aunts and uncles: Bill Adams and Donna (King) Adams, Dorothy (Cross) Robinson, Carl Mitchell and Josephine (Cross) Mitchell, Patsy Cross, Donna (Cross) Knapp; niece and nephews: Grant King, Olivia King, Brody King, Ryder King; numerous cousins and in-laws, as well as many beloved friends, former students and colleagues.

 

16 Comments

  • Don and Andrea Brunken Posted September 23, 2021 3:13 pm

    Our prayers are with all of you.

  • Leona ( Rittinghouse) Canaday Posted September 23, 2021 4:04 pm

    My prayers go out to all of you. May God be with you during this time of sorrow.

  • Cristine Romano and Teddy Stern Posted September 23, 2021 8:06 pm

    I cannot believe that such a force of nature has left this Earth so soon. Peace be with your family

  • Dick and Mary Wolfe Posted September 23, 2021 9:19 pm

    We are so so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife and precious mother. Such a wonderful lady! So many wonderful memories. God Bless each one of you. We are praying for each one of you. We will continue to lift you in prayer.. With deepest sympathy.

  • Susam M Niles Posted September 24, 2021 8:12 pm

    I have such wonderful memories of J’Laine. She was so special and she touched the lives of so many. My sympathy and prayers to you, words just cannot heal your pain at this time…May You find strength in your belief in Jesus

  • Rick & Robin Bortzfield Posted September 25, 2021 10:12 am

    Such great memories of J’laine. Her wit, infectious laugh, her talent! She is a beautiful soul. Our hearts ache for the entire family. God’s comfort to you.

  • Curt Tate Posted September 26, 2021 4:36 pm

    We are with you through this trying time
    Love and prayers
    Curt & Stacey

  • Kellie Allen Harvey Posted September 26, 2021 7:48 pm

    Brad I could not believe this has happened. My prayers and thoughts for you and your boys. I have many wonderful memories of sleep overs as kids, she was one of a kid.

  • Lindsey Earley Posted September 26, 2021 8:10 pm

    Mrs. Minden was my 4th grade teacher and to this day my favorite teacher. She introduced me to my best friend and inspired me to become a teacher in hopes that I could someday be just as inspiring and memorable as she was. I cannot believe she is gone. Prayers to her family and close friends. She was an amazing woman.

  • FP & Stephanie Gable Posted September 26, 2021 8:40 pm

    You are all on our hearts, and our prayers are with you. We have many fond memories of growing up with J’laine, and we are deeply saddened. May God keep His divine hand upon you all and envelop you in His peace.

  • Dana Blakely Posted September 27, 2021 10:29 am

    Brad and family, I am so sorry to hear of this devastating loss. I will always remember J’Laine for her sense of humor, fun personality, and tenaciousness. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  • Dee Sturgeon Posted September 27, 2021 2:56 pm

    Brad & Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of J’laine’s passing. May all the precious memories your family has made bring you peace when the days are difficult. Our prayers to the family. Tom & Dee Sturgeon

  • Marty & Beverly Read Posted September 27, 2021 7:40 pm

    We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful daughter J’Laine. Our sympathy and our prayers for all of you.

  • Sarah Edwards-Walter Posted September 28, 2021 9:22 am

    I am so sorry to hear of J’laine’s passing. My very first job was working under her at Blimpie’s. She was an exceptional boss and I truly learned the value of hard work through her. Although it’s been over 15 years since I worked with her, I still have so many fond memories of my time working at Blimpies with her and the team. It truly was the best first job I could have ever had. Sending all of my love to her family and loved ones.

  • Todd & Liz Hirsch Posted September 28, 2021 1:02 pm

    Brad & Family,
    We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of J’laine. We always enjoyed being around her & will remember her fondly. Please know we will continue to keep you all in our thoughts & prayers.

  • Michaela McCrill Posted September 28, 2021 2:06 pm

    Mrs. Minden was my 4th grade teacher at Sunny Slope in what was probably 1993. Despite being 30 years ago, Mrs. Minden still sticks out as my favorite teacher and I have many fond memories of her class and her infectiously positive attitude and beautiful smile. I am so sad to hear of her passing.

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