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Archive for: K

Jerry Eugene Kinney

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Jerry E. Kinney, 73, of Lincoln, passed away October 17, 2021.  He was born in Hastings, NE, and raised by Lucille and Elvis Kinney.

He served in the US Army in Vietnam-Airborne, 1966-1969.  Life member of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Life member DAV.  Life member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association.    Former Hunter education master firearms instructor-Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, former NRA certified shotgun instructor; former volunteer for Charlie Brown’s Kids, Lincoln, NE.

Survived by his wife, Lisa, of Lincoln; sons, Christopher, of      Los Angeles, CA; Abraham (Anne-Marie) of Burbank, CA; California; Jordan (Chris) Lovato of Lakewood, CO; Joshua Kinney of Lincoln; stepchildren:  Stephanie (Peter) Erickson of Lincoln and Eric (Kate) Shepard of Arvada, CO; brothers Dan (Pam) Kinney of Council Bluffs, Iowa; William (Mary) Kinney of Longmont, CO; and Melody (John) Knapp of Kerrville, Texas; 11 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Proceeded in death by his parents Lucille and Elvis Kinney; son, Benjamin Patrick Kinney; granddaughter, Anniston Lucille Lovato; and sister, Celeste Munsinger.

Services are pending.

Memorials to the family for later designation.

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.

Dr. John Phillip Krejci, Ph.D.

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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.

Harold Korte

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From Lincoln, Nebraska.

Born on June 10, 1931.

Passed away on August 1, 2021.

No service at this time.

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.

Evelena Johanna (Dorn) Kelle

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Evelena Johanna (Dorn) Kelle, 90, of Adams, Nebraska went to her heavenly home on July 2, 2021 at The Monarch in Lincoln, Nebraska.

She was born April 29, 1931 to George and Hilda (Riensche) Dorn near Filley, Nebraska. She was baptized on May 14, 1931 and confirmed into the Christian Faith March 30, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church, Pickrell, Nebraska.

Evelena married Daylon Kelle on August 18, 1949. To this union two children were born, Nancy and Steven.

She was a homemaker, worked on the farm with her husband, a mother, and later worked at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for 27 years in the food service and laundry departments.

Evelena enjoyed shopping, fingernail polish, talking with friends and family on the telephone or in person, traveling, gardening, and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She had the memory of an elephant — remembering birthdays, special events, family history and telling stories about the past. Her sense of humor was appreciated by family, friends, and others who crossed her path during her life.

Evelena is survived by her son Steven (Dianne) Kelle, Lincoln Nebraska. Son-in-law Duane Lenners, Filley, Nebraska. Grandsons Tracy Lenners, Filley, Nebraska, Matthew (Terra) Lenners, Adams, Nebraska, granddaughter Alicia (Shawn) Powell, Papillion, Nebraska. Great-grandchildren, Aysah and Sydney Lenners, and Ainsley and Graham Powell. Sisters Norma Foreman and Leona Trauernicht of Lincoln Nebraska, brother Arden (Roxanne) Dorn, San Antonio Texas, sisters-in-law Arla Dorn, Lincoln Nebraska, Lola (LaVern) Dorn and Arlene (Norbert) Kelle, Beatrice, Nebraska, 28 nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Daylon in 2003 and daughter Nancy in 2005. Parents George and Hilda (Riensche) Dorn, brothers Lavern, Marvin and Roland, sisters-in-law Marjorie Dorn, LaVada (Kelle) Oltman, Bernice (Kelle) Jobman, brothers-in-law Harold Schlake, Gene Foreman, Elmer Trauernicht, Harvey Jobman, Nobert Kelle, Reinhardt Oltman, niece Evonne Watkins, nephews Loren Schlake and Gary Jobman.

Private graveside service at Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Memorial service at Adams American Lutheran Church, Adams NE 7/10/21 2:30 p.m. Family prayer service at the church at 2:15 p.m.

Evelena requested casual, preferably denim, dress for the service.

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.

Marcella Mary Konig

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Marcella Mary (Schacht) Konig, wife of the Reverend Paul Konig, passed away June 3, 2021 in Lincoln, Neb. She was born March 22, 1932. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Anna Deubler Schacht. She is survived by her husband and a sister, Carolyn Schacht Henry, of Maryville, Mo.

Marcella was a talented pianist and held a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska, where she specialized in music education.

Marcella and Paul Konig were married on July 31, 1963 in Bellevue, Neb.

Marcella and Carolyn both graduated from Tecumseh High School.

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.