Gregory W. Jelden, 73, of Keene, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Country House in Kearney.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church, south of Axtell, with Reverend Marcia Dorn officiating. Private family inurnment was held prior to services at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery with military honors. A memorial book signing with family present was held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Greg’s honor are kindly suggested to Bethany Lutheran Church in Axtell, Axtell Volunteer Fire Department, Hildreth Volunteer Fire Department, or to the Axtell Veterans Memorial. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Gregory Wayne Jelden was born on June 15, 1952 in Minden to Wayne and Fern (Nelson) Jelden. He grew up in the Keene/ Axtell area and attended Minden Public Schools where he graduated in 1970. After high school he attended Kearney State College where he met many lifelong friends and graduated with honors in 1975. He entered the United States Army National Guard where he faithfully served his country from 1971 until 1977.

Gregory was united in marriage to Janice (Jan) Mroczek on July 15, 1978 in Loup City and to this union three sons were born: Jonathan (Jon), Joshua (Josh), and Joseph (Joe). The family made their home in Keene where Greg farmed with his brothers, before retiring in 2020.

Gregory was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Axtell, where he was an active member and served on various councils. He was also a past member of the Keene Co-Op Board and Kearney County Corn Growers Board.

Gregory enjoyed spending his mornings having coffee with friends in Axtell and Hildreth. Greg and Jan spent several winters in Florida, where they enjoyed the sun and hosting family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and giving them rides on the side-by-side.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jan of Keene; sons, Jon of Fort Collins, Colorado, Josh (Kelly) of Kearney, and Joe (Kelsi) of Bennington; grandchildren, Harper, Kollins and Andrew; brothers, Jeff Jelden of Hildreth and Blaine (Joan) of Axtell; sisters, Dianne Jelden Bute (Joel) and Kaye Banzhaf; sisters-inlaw, Phyllis Mroczek of Loup City, Marian Palu of Loup City, and Patricia (Don) Arnold of Ord; brothers-in-law, Tom Mroczek of York and Ron (Peg) Mroczek of Loup City; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

Gregory was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Fern Jelden; parents-in-law, Leo and Clementine Mroczek; brothers-in-law, Lavern Mroczek, Raymond Mroczek, Jim Palu, and Randy Banzhaf; and sister-in-law, Marge Mroczek.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals. com.