Dr. John Phillip Krejci, Ph.D.
John Phillip Krejci, Ph.D., loving husband, father, grandfather, former Catholic priest, college professor, and social activist, died on August 11, 2021, in Lincoln. He was 84.
Born on June 16, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, John leaves an impressive legacy of over 60 years of social activism as a champion of multiple marginalized groups. He received his undergraduate degree at Conception Seminary College (Missouri), studied at The American University of Rome for his four year master’s degree in Divinity, and earned his doctorate in Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. John served as a parish priest of the Omaha diocese, and later as a professor of Social Work/Sociology/Anthropology and department chair during his tenures at Kearney State College (now UNK) and Nebraska Wesleyan University.
John tirelessly dedicated himself to civil rights, fighting for many oppressed groups and social/institutional change. Throughout his life, he advocated for African Americans, Native Americans (Omaha and Winnebago people), prisoners, and many other oppressed people. In retirement, he focused on criminal justice and prison reform, successfully advocating for several prisoners. His numerous letters to the editor reflected his commitment to justice and fairness, as well as his tenacity and sharp sense of humor. John attended mass weekly and his strong Catholic faith shaped his entire life. He courageously fought for progressive changes within institutions that he believed needed it. He served in countless leadership, organizational and activist positions, including Nebraskans for Peace, Call to Action, the Omaha Tribal Historical Research Project and the Nebraska Chapter of the United Nations. He was a beloved member of the “Wednesday Lunch Bunch,” where he enjoyed socializing with other esteemed local civil rights activists.
On June 26th, he and his wife, Jean Krejci (Gettelfinger) a former nun, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They met at the University of Notre Dame. John is survived by his loving wife, three children, John Mark Krejci Ph.D. and Jeanie Krejci of Lincoln; Jennifer Krejci-Manwaring M.D., son-in-law Teddy Manwaring, and grandchildren, Merric and Morgan Manwaring of San Antonio, TX; his sister Mary Kay Bizal, brother-in-law Frank Bizal, of Philadelphia, PA, and nieces and nephews; David Bizal, Steve Bizal, Mike Bizal, and Kathy Holdsman.
Prior to his death, John valiantly endured a 15-year “dance with cancer.” Despite health challenges, he approached life with a great sense of fun and adventure. John enjoyed ice skating, biking, and played ice hockey into his 70s. During this last year at home he could be found watching some surprising shows like the Walking Dead, Twilight Zone and Star Trek. He also loved boxing and football. Most of all, he was an avid fisherman and continued to visit his favorite fishing spots up until the very end.
Funeral Mass at St. John’s Parish on the Creighton University campus in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday, October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. Masks will be required to all that attend. Please join the family for a luncheon directly following mass at The Old Mattress Factory Grill, 501 N 13th St, Omaha, NE 68102. 11am – 3pm.
Donations in his honor can be made to Nebraskans for Peace.
John was honored in an article by the Lincoln Journal Star, it can be read here.
To leave a condolence please use 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.
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Condolences for Dr. John Phillip Krejci, Ph.D.
I remember Dr. Krejci well from my time at Nebraska Wesleyan and my involvement with Nebraskans for Peace. He was committed to humanity and the causes of civil rights and social justice. Hearing of his passing brought back many fond memories of that time. My condolences go to his family and friends.
John was a wonderful advocate for justice and peace. He was a good friend and a valued expert on prison reform, anti-death penalty issues, United Nations, religious freedom and strong neighborhoods. My daughter Serena remembers him as one of her favorite professors at Nebraska Wesleyan many years ago. We will all miss John very much.
Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. The two of you and your lives have made such a difference for so many of us. As my advisor at NWU he was instrumental in my entry to Graduate School @ UNO. It was a dream I entertained & I’m not sure I would have pursued if not for his support and encouragement. He made such a huge difference in moments of doubt.
Prayers and thoughts to the entire family.
My sincere condolences to Jean and family. John’s teaching and social work ethics were the stepping stones I needed when I walked into his classroom in 1987 at Nebraska Wesleyan. He became my advisor and helped me graduate with a degree in Social Work. I’ve dedicated my life to social work and owe John for igniting that spark when I was lost. We were able to collaborate as professionals at the Lincoln Homeless Coalition in 2009 to 2012 and most recently at the Reentry Alliance of Nebraska meetings. He is missed by so many and his inspiration, advocacy and messaging live on.