Omaha Mayor Says She's Ready to Get Back to Work After Husband's Death

March 16, 2021, 2:46 p.m. ·

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Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. (Photo from KETV Television)

An emotional Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said she’s ready to get back to work more than a week after her husband took his own life outside their home. Joe Stothert, 72, was a well-known trauma surgeon in the Omaha area and died March 5th. At a brief press conference Tuesday, the Mayor said family and co-workers had noticed a change in her husband over the past few months.

“The questions that we have will never be fully answered. We know that and we expect it,” Stothert said. “We also know that mental health challenges and depression are prevalent and that those working in health care are at greater risk.”

Stothert said she’ll resume her campaign for re-election Wednesday after pausing it since her husband’s death.

“This is what Joe would have wanted and this is what my kids want. He was so proud that I was mayor of Omaha,” Stothert said. “Our team will do so while continuing to remember the honor and legacy of Joe Stothert.”

The Mayor also thanked others running for mayor, saying they paused their campaigns as well while she grieved. Stothert was first elected in 2013 and won re-election in 2017. She’s the first woman mayor in Omaha history.