Janet Marie Berger was born August 8, 1948 in Auburn, Nebraska at the Auburn Hospital to Edwin C. and Alberta J. (Hector) Berger. She grew up in rural Auburn as one of seven children. She and her siblings enjoyed “country life” along with their friends leading to many tales of near-misses and actual injuries to several of them. She attended Forest Grove school through the 8th grade before attending Auburn Public Schools where she became a graduating member of the Class of 1966.

Edwin and Alberta raised Janet and her siblings in the Christian faith through regular attendance at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Auburn. Janet was confirmed on June 10th, 1962, and she continued in the Christian faith throughout her life.

While in high school, Janet met Tom Osborne through mutual friends. Their relationship became a life-long bond when they married on October 15th,1966 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Auburn.

Janet began working professionally in the mid-1970’s, first at Bradley’s Shoe Store, then as the Manager of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, and then in the office at Nemaha County Hospital where her career in medical office work began. She also worked in this field at the Auburn Clinic, Nebraska Eye Specialists in Hastings (where she also completed courses at Central Community College to further her skills), Lincoln General Hospital, Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Dr. Crotty’s Optometry Clinic and Auburn Family Health Center.

In her retirement years, Janet enjoyed volunteer work. She was dedicated to helping people through her time with Neighbor To Neighbor and also as a hospice volunteer. She also enjoyed puzzles and hot tea in the winter, flowers in the spring and summer, and Husker sports year round. Through the years, Janet loved having ample nieces and nephew to spoil and love. When her only grandchild, Joshua, was born, her talent to love and spoil was raised to new heights. She enjoyed every moment with her family. Janet also loved her “furry grandkids”, Lucky and Hazel, the dogs that her daughters adopted in 2020.

Janet followed Tom throughout his various career moves and changes. No matter where they lived, she was always known for being kind to everyone she met, always ready to be friends. Her faith led her to be active in the churches she attended. She often served the church through participation in women’s groups, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school or as an ordained deacon.

In 2024, Janet was diagnosed with cancer, and she began a valiant fight. She endured medical procedures and chemo with a brave attitude, even though some days were difficult. Janet was truly living life on June 19th, 2026, when the number of her days on this earth were completed and she was welcomed into the presence of her Lord. Her loved ones and friends were not ready for her to go, but find comfort in knowing that she is with family members who have gone on to heaven before.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Catherine Berger, Adrienne Berger and Christine (Berger) Allgood and sisters-in-law Nancy (Osborne) Yates and Susan (Osborne) Tanner and William Osborne. She is survived by her husband, Tom Osborne of Auburn, daughters Lisa Osborne of Lincoln and Laura Osborne of Auburn, grandson, Joshua Osborne and wife Halee of Lincoln, siblings Linda Blumenthal of Omaha, Gregory Berger (Kim) of Omaha and Paul Berger (Renee) of Elkhorn, brothers-in-law Phil Allgood of Peru, John Osborne (Cyndi) of Omaha and Bob Yates of Auburn, aunt Sharyl Osborne of Crescent, Iowa, many nieces and nephews, cousins and loving friends.

A funeral service for Janet was held Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City. Burial was in Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.