With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Jan Sterling Markham, who died on July 5, 2026, at age 71. A celebration of Jan’s life will be 11a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026 at St. Josaphat’s Parish Hall in Loup City. The family has requested happy, casual attire for the occasion. Memorials are suggested to the Lincoln Bike Kitchen. A donation can be made online at lincolnbikekitchen.org. Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the Markham family can be left at higginsfuneralhomelc.com.

     Jan was born on May 8, 1955, in Fairbury, Nebraska. Though life took him many places, Grand Island was always home. He graduated from Grand Island Senior High School with the Class of 1973 and carried his Nebraska roots wherever he went.

     Jan was first married to Susan (Jameson) Markham, with whom he shared three children who grew into spirited and independent adults: Maggie (Luke) McDermott, Molly Kendall, and Michael Markham. He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth Rush, Nolan Kendall, Tucker McDermott, and Todd Kendall, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy and kept his youthful spirit alive.

     Later in life, Jan married Sara “Jennie” (Wrenn) Ramsay, the woman who helped him become the fullest version of himself. Together they built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and countless cherished memories, sharing their days with their beloved schnauzer, Bella.

     Jan’s wealth cannot be measured simply by his belongings, but rather by the things he cherished—often carefully labeled with a Sharpie in his distinctive all-capital lettering. His legacy is one filled with home projects, a fearless approach to cooking challenging cuisines, questionable OSHA violations, Saab parts, singed eyebrows, boxed wine, well-traveled roads, and humor that transcended generations.

     He taught those who loved him that life was meant to be explored, repaired when needed, laughed through, and shared with the people—and animals—you love most. Except cats, he didn’t particularly care for those.

     While his family grieves the loss of an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend, they also celebrate a life lived boldly, generously, and with a warm and unmistakable sense of humor. The world is a little quieter without him, but somewhere, we like to imagine he’s riding his bicycle into a peaceful sunset.

     He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Markham.

     Jan is survived by his cherished wife Jennie, his children, grandchildren, mother, Suzanne Markham, and three brothers, Steve, Kelly, and Scott, along with their families. Brothers-in-law Splinter (LeeAnne) Wrenn and Greg Wrenn.

     Jan will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.