Geneva D Cohn

Geneva Cohn, affectionately known as "Genni," passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an undeniable knack for turning chaos into calm. Born on a farm near Indianola, Nebraska, on April 27, 1929, Genni was the middle child of nine siblings—a position she embraced with grace, diplomacy, and probably more than a little refereeing.

Her family later moved to McCook, Nebraska, where she graduated high school at the remarkable age of 16. That summer, destiny (and perhaps a bit of matchmaking by her older brother) brought her together with John Ream, whom she married on July 19, 1945. Their adventures took them to Omaha, where John trained as a prosthodontist, and where they welcomed their children, Connie and John. After their divorce in 1959, Genni found love again, marrying Herb Cohn in 1965, with whom she shared 41 beautiful years until his passing in 2006.

Genni's career path was as colorful and dynamic as her personality. Starting at Duncan Hines in 1951, she quickly climbed the ranks from sweeping up cake mix to working in the research lab, proving that her determination and charm could turn any job into an opportunity for growth. After health challenges led her to leave the lab, she reinvented herself, earning a degree in custom design. From there, she became a tour de force in the world of commercial and residential design, partnering with Herb and Connie in their own business and later achieving top honors in the J.C. Penney custom decoration department in both Omaha and Denver.

Though retirement technically began in 1992, Genni’s so-called "retirement" turned into a second act, as her reputation for impeccable design continued to attract clients for another 15 years. Her final and most cherished role, however, was as matriarch to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who remained the light of her life until her final days.

Known fondly as "The General," Genni had a gift for stepping into chaos and leaving behind order and calm, armed with nothing more than her radiant smile, twinkling eyes, and a well-placed quip. She had time for everyone, a shoulder for anyone in need, and a listening ear that never seemed to tire. Her energy was boundless, her heart immense, and her spirit unshakable.

Genni was preceded in death by her parents, Emily Marie Hansen and Orie Otto Bible; her sisters, Leona, Rachael, and Irma; her brothers, Richard, Ernest (Ernie), and Albert; and her cherished husbands, John Ream and Herb Cohn.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Jean Venne; her son, John Louis Ream III, and his wife, Cyndi; her grandchildren, Todd and DeeAnn Robson; her great-grandchildren, Daniella and Jeremiah Echeverria, Marquita Robson, and Triston Robson; her sister, Margaret Moore; and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were all touched by her warmth and generosity.

Genni leaves us with a legacy of love, resilience, and a reminder that a little humor can brighten even the darkest days. As her family lovingly put it, "We’ll miss you, Mother, every minute of every day. Rest in peace."

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where we will honor Genni’s incredible journey and the countless lives she enriched along the way.