Mary Jean Kreitman
I was born in 1925 to my parents Charles and Alice Burke. We lived in Bassett, Nebraska, a little town in the Sand Hills, where my Dad was a dentist and my mom was a warm & generous lady, always welcoming an extra plate at the table.
My younger siblings, Jim and Julie are both deceased. My early life in a small town was carefree. Skating, riding my bike, climbing trees, and knowing everyone in town.
High school brought me Royce O. Kreitman, a man I have loved all of my life. We were married in 1942 and moved to Long Beach, California where we lived in a tiny apartment near the ocean. There I found my love of the Pacific. Two of our children, Judy and Dan were born in Long Beach.
We moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1950. We bought an old house with an extra lot with apple trees and room for kids to play. Bill, Brook, and Royce were born while we lived here. It was a good life with our five children.
In 1965, we bought a farm near Ceresco, Nebraska where we lived for 50 years. Royce farmed, raised some gentle Hereford cattle, and went to work at Goodyear for 32 years. He loved fishing, rifle and bow hunting, and elk hunting with his boys.
My husband, Royce died at the age of 87 from a brain bleed occurring from a previous fall. I stayed on the farm for a few years and later moved to Eagle to live in the country with my daughter Judy and her husband Ron.
After rehab for a broken neck at Gateway Manor, I moved there to live for a year. It was not long enough to make friends with all the good people, staff, and residents there.
I leave my children and grandchildren:
Dan Kreitman (son) and his wife Patty (granddaughters, Jill and Heather)
Dan, whom I could always depend on to be there when I needed him and thank you for taking your Dad elk hunting.
Bill Kreitman (son) and his wife Laurie (grandsons, Joshua and Luke)
Bill, with whom I had many happy times looking for old treasures, movies at The Ross, and sharing his love of art. I always felt welcome in your home.
Royce M. Kreitman (son) and his wife Jo (grandsons, Gage, Tyler, Dylan and granddaughter, Sara)
Royce, a loving and hard-working son who shared his love of music with me and best of all married his wife, Jo. That brought me much happiness.
Judy Hietbrink (daughter) and her husband Ron (granddaughters, Ronalee and Mary)
Judy, your hard work and loving, compassionate care let me have comfortable and happy days. I am grateful to you and no one could ever take your place. Thank you for caring for me as you did.
Brook Kreitman (predeceased son)
Brook, you were a fun, loving spirit who lit up the room with your presence. Your gift to our family was making anything and everything fun. I never stopped missing you.
I ask for cremation, no service, and please know I have had a good life.
Also predeceased by:
Royce O. Kreitman (husband), Michael Kreitman (grandson), Michelle Kreitman (granddaughter), and Levi Kreitman (grandson)
From the family:
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at The Isles, 6232 Havelock Avenue in Lincoln. Memorials will be directed to Matt Talbot Kitchen.
There are many great grandchildren, extended family, neighbors, and friends of Mary who we are forever grateful for. Thank you for being a part of her life.
Condolences may be posted using the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for Mary Jean Kreitman
Oh Mary with the lovely smile and truly sparkling eyes. How enriched so many of us are for knowing you. You always brought joy to anyone who chatted with you. The legacy you leave behind in your wonderful children, grandchildren and all your family – it just is the absolute example of a life well lived.
Love to all the family and friends.
Sue Eckley – Waverly NE
Mary you were the best mother (in law) I could ever ask for. Even into your 90’s you had an abundance of energy and I love how you rarely said no to going anywhere. In 2017 you attended just as many outdoor concerts at Stransky as I did even when the weather was in the 100’s. Which brings me to add that you never complained. Even in your last days and hours, there was never any self pity or negativity. Many of these characteristics you passed on to my husband Royce. The smile, the calm, his patience. I will still thank you every year on his birthday even though I can’t call you. And I will never stop loving you. Thank you Mrs. Royce Kreitman from Mrs. Royce Kreitman.
To all of Mary’s family: Dan and Patty, Bill and Laurie, Royce and Jo, Judy and Ron and all of their extended families
My sincere sympathy to each of you.
Mary was that person whom never let her smile fade as she talked to you and cared when she did.
She had a way of caring that most people will never have or know.
May the almighty hold each of you in his tender caring arms and give you peace.
Condolences to the whole Family
Many good memories of growing up with the Kreitmans as neighbors. My earliest memory of Mary is when I was a very young boy. I had a severe case of chicken pox and Mary came to visit. She brought me a six pack of Pepsi…a very rare treat growing up in our house! Always calm with beautiful eyes and an unforgettable smile is how I suspect most people will remember Mary 🙂
Peace and condolences to you from the Norris family
“Losing someone we love is never easy, but we must be thankful for, the beautiful moments and memories we shared with them. Your mother was a beautiful and kind soul, and she will not be forgotten. She has proven that in the beautiful words she left you above.
“I loved my visits with you Mary Kreitman, you are a true lady and inspiration to all, that was lucky enough to meet you.
Thank You.”
“Once the tears have dried up, and you have said your goodbyes, what is left is the beautiful and happy memories that you shared with your mother. May you find comfort in the memories you shared with your mom, accept my sincere condolences.”
I only met this magnificent woman once and knew immediately she loved her life. My condolences to all the family. The loss of this woman has to leave a large emptiness. Reading her obituary, I know she would not want anyone to feel sad. Please celebrate her life because it sounds like she sure did. Much Love to Royce and Jo and all the rest of the family.
Mary, I always enjoyed your company and how are you embraced life so fully! Always with a smile on your face, and always with a positive attitude! You and Royce built an amazing family, which I know you we’re very proud of and love dearly! Godspeed Mary Kreitman.. You will be missed!
I am very sorry for your loss, Mary was an amazing woman!!
To the Kreitman Family,
Your mother was a blessing to everyone she ever encountered. She never met a stranger and definitely never forgot a face. She was a woman of sincere grace. She will be greatly missed as I enjoyed every moment I encountered with her. You were truly blessed to have her in your life, as we all were. Treasure your memories as I know you have many! Sending you our sincere condolences!
Mary earned her respect and was such a classy friendly outgoing person! She will be dearly missed. Condolences to the families!!
Dan, Patty and family,
So sorry for your loss.
Cherish the great memories.
With deepest sympathy,
Donna Schimonitz, NGPC
Condolences from Bill and Judy Nissen. What a wonderful obituary she wrote! She will be missed.
Heather and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you were able to be with her at the end, and that it was peaceful. You will all be in my thoughts.
Royce and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
Dan & Patty & all the family,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I’ll always remember her twinkling eyes and beautiful engaging smile and how kind she was to me. There are many fond memories I have of your mom and dad.
I was in Lincoln, visiting from Houston, stopped by the lab to see you about this time of year. What I remember was you saying: “let’s go hunting!” Away we went to the farm. Your mom was so welcoming; I’d had the pleasure of being her dentist when I practiced in Lincoln. Shortly, we were on the hillside hunting pheasants with your dad. It was great! I had some other insight into your mom and dad when you stopped by the office on your way to Chadron. Your mom & dad had packed a large box of tomatoes each carefully wrapped in news paper for the people from the lab. I think of them today carefully selecting each one, washing them, wrapping each one and packing them for the trip, a gift to others. I imagine that as something they did together. Now, I imagine them together again, now and forever. Love, Paul
Dan and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.