2/28/1947 – 1/5/2026
Lawrence
In the early morning hours of January 5, 2026, John Orem, 78, passed peacefully at his home in Lawrence, surrounded by family.
John lived a life rich with varied and meaningful experiences. He was born on February 28, 1947, in Kimberly, Nevada, the youngest child of Clifton Monroe and Lola Mae (Russell) Orem. He and his siblings were raised in Benton City, Washington, where he attended public schools. There John joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and developed a deep love of raising livestock, especially dairy goats, which became a lifelong passion. His leadership and dedication were evident early on, and he proudly served as president of his local FFA chapter. Drawn as well to faith and inquiry, John spent time at Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Monastery and studied Theology at the University of Portland.
After the death of his father, John returned to Benton City and worked at the Battelle Research Institute at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, where he met and married Chris (Weaver) Orem. The couple moved to Lake Stevens, Washington, and started both their family and Chris’ Ribbon Shoppe, manufacturing award ribbons. John became a nationally respected dairy goat farmer. His Oremus herd Toggenburg goats earned numerous awards at state and national shows. A lifetime member of the American Dairy Goat Association, he proudly served as its president. His efforts reflected his dedication to excellence and love of honest, hands-on work.
John loved music, growing vegetables and flowers, and found great joy in cooking for others. He offered nourishment not only through food but through care, attentiveness, and presence. He was known for his intelligence, thoughtfulness, fierce opposition to injustice, and unique perspective on the world. Above all, John was deeply kind. He rarely spoke ill of others, instead choosing curiosity, empathy, and understanding. His compassion, integrity, and generosity of spirit set a standard that will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him.
John is survived by his four children, Justin Orem of Lincoln, NE, John Orem of Topeka, KS, Jerome Orem (Angela) of Wichita, KS, and Mary Orem (Sarah) of Topeka, KS; their mother, Chris Orem of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren—Clara, Kaitlyn, Lyric, and Alice of Lincoln, NE, and Amelia, Matthias, and Henrick of Topeka, KS; three great-grandsons; and his partner, Bob Cross of Lawrence, KS. John was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Wanda and Joe, and a granddaughter, Azlyn.
John’s life and values leave a lasting imprint. He will be remembered with gratitude, admiration, and love. His memory is most definitely a blessing! A celebration of life is being planned in Lawrence. Details will be shared by the family at a later date.
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