Jett Eli Sjeklocha, 22, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, passed away September 11, 2026 after injuries incurred in a rollover accident.

Jett was ushered into the world November 4, 2003 to the sound of his proud older sister’s serenade. An adorable cherub, Jett was hard not to love.

As soon as he was able, Jett took to everything outdoors. He loved building things with his hands, and made many scrap metal “sculptures” as he learned to weld. His hands on and “can-do” attitude stayed with him through his school years. Jett was involved in FFA, 4H, and football, but found himself most content horseback or checking cows. Jett was a proud and active member of the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association where he competed in steer wrestling, team roping, and his true love, bull riding. Jett cheated death multiple times riding bulls, but was never phased. His need for adrenaline superseded all else.

Jett graduated as the Salutatorian of Hayes Center High School’s Class of 2022. However, with just three kids in his class, he was unable to certify that he was in the top 25% for scholarship purposes, a predicament he found humor in.

After graduation, Jett attended Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte to obtain his welding degree and compete on the rodeo team. His time at MPCC was filled with many friendships and memories, but was richly enhanced by the mentorship of his coach, Aukai Kaai. Two of Jett’s proudest accomplishments were winning the bull riding average at the 2021 Nebraska State Rodeo Association Finals and being named the 2023 Mid-States Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year.

After graduation, Jett moved back to Hayes County where he began working for Tanner Lemon west of Hayes Center. Simultaneously, Jett operated his own trucking business after purchasing a semi of his own and growing the cow herd he started when he was small. Jett’s entry into the cattle business was marked by purchasing a bred heifer from a local production sale. The only problem, however, was the fact that she was a redhead. In a herd of black cattle, Jett’s red heifer earned herself the eartag 1URC, for “one ugly red cow.” Nothing made Jett more proud than to show off the gals sporting the Lazy J Heart brand.

Jett loved to have fun, and was often guilty of getting others wrapped up in it. He was stubborn to a fault, but loved others hard. In public, he would often be one to get a smile from random babies and strangers. While we all yearn for more pages in Jett’s book, his legacy will live on through his beloved corgi, George, his friends and family, and in every speaker that belts outlaw country or ZZ Top. Jett will be remembered for his strong work ethic, kindness, and a bleeding heart he never quite figured out what to do with.

Jett is survived by his mom, Susan Ridenour, dad, Rusty Sjeklocha, and sister, Rebel Adamson. Jett was proud to welcome his new brother-in-law, Cade Adamson to the family last November. He is also survived by a plethora of family and friends. Jett is preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Ridenour, dear friend Juan Baeza, and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation will be held at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte Tuesday, September 15th from Noon-7pm. The family will be present from 5-7pm. Jett’s memorial service will take place Wednesday, September 16th at 10:30am at the Hayes Center High School Gym. A gathering of those who loved him will take place at the Legion Hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team or the Hayes County Rural Fire Department.