David C. Jacka
It is with great sadness that the family of David C. Jacka announce his sudden passing on August 23, 2022 at the age of 71. He was a wonderful man with a quick wit and a unique sense of humor. He will be remembered for his eclectic knowledge of the most detailed facts and his incredible knack for storytelling which captured the attention and hearts of all who knew him. David was born to Willard Clifton Jacka and Darleen May Jacka (Janssen) on April 15, 1951 in Tecumseh, Nebraska. David’s early years were spent living on the Jacka family farm. He loved riding the tractor and helping feed the animals. His family moved to Omaha when his dad, Willard, started working with the US Post Office, delivering mail by train. After a few years, they moved to Lincoln, NE. David was a dedicated student and graduated from Northeast High School (1969) and the University of Nebraska (1974) with a BS. David thoroughly enjoyed his time as a member of the UNL Fencing Club and the UNL Marching Band. He played in the marching band at three National Championship Bowl Games: 1969 Sugar Bowl in El Paso, TX and the 1970 and 1971 Orange Bowl Games in Orlando, FL. GO BIG RED! After graduating from UNL, David moved to Denver, CO to complete his Master’s Degree in Library Science. David met the love of his life at his part time job, at Montgomery Wards, as he worked his way through college. David was a broom pusher and Teresa was a salesperson working in the fabric department. Early on, Teresa noticed the broom pusher, as he would twirl the garbage cans that echoed through the store much to the dismay of their supervisor. A few months later, Teresa was waiting for her class to begin when David asked her out on a first date during a chance meeting on campus in Burnett Hall. Three years later, they devoted their lives to each other and were married on March 5, 1976. Together, David and Teresa started their married life in Wahoo and Yutan while David was the Librarian for the Mead Public Schools K-12. A few years later, David was offered the Assistant Director position at the Columbus Public Library, and they moved to Columbus, NE. In 1982, David accepted the Director position at the Bellevue Public Library and another move followed. Eventually, their growing family moved to Iron Mountain, MI when David became the Director of the Dickinson County Library. In 1991, the family moved to Kenosha, WI where David enjoyed being the Media Specialist for the Kenosha Public Library System. David and Teresa had two children: Jeffrey Scott and Jennifer Michelle. Our family of four loved spending time together camping and traveling throughout the USA. We made many memories exploring beaches, mountains, forests, plains, and deserts enjoying all of the experiences that each had to offer. David had a variety of interests. His love of reading and history led him to visit many museums and historical places, including many battlefields. David’s attention to detail and thirst for knowledge resulted in reading every description of every item on display. All of which he seemed to remember and recall at a moment’s notice. In addition, David liked to read all the instructions before attempting to do anything, so he would always be well informed and ready for any problems should they arise. David had a passion for playing instruments. He learned to play an alto and tenor sax, a piccolo, bassoon, oboe, and even taught himself how to play the banjo. David loved to dance. Both David and Teresa especially enjoyed Square Dancing, Round Dancing, and Clogging. They belonged to several Square Dancing clubs over the years traveling to conventions, and getting away for special weekend dances. David was a well-traveled scholar. David enjoyed a summer filled with backpacking through Europe on a trip that included Germany, Austria, England, and Scotland. He later took a second trip to Germany during winterim. His love of travel continued throughout his life as he was able to visit nearly all 50 states in the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. David will forever be remembered by his adoring mother Darleen Jacka, his loving wife of 46 years Teresa Jacka, their children Jeffrey Jacka and wife Liz Jacka, Jennifer Jancich and husband Bryan Jancich, grandsons Bentley and Bennet Jancich, along with numerous other family members and friends. David was preceded in death by his father Willard C. Jacka, and brother Larry Lee Jacka. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on September 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at Van Dorn Park; 930 High Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to the University of Nebraska Foundation-Lincoln for either the UNL Library (#01054670) or UNL Marching Band (#01031230) to honor his time at the university. Please visit nufoundation.org to make an online gift. Friends and family are encouraged to share their condolences and memories of David on his memorial site at davidjacka.forevermissed.com or by 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.
Barbara A Gaither
Barbara Ann Gaither, age 81, died peacefully on August 21, 2022. She was born on March 11, 1941, on the family farm near Royal, Nebraska, to Dwight and Gwen (Rundquist) Morrison. As a child, she enjoyed caring for animals, showing them with 4H, making doughnuts with her grandma and helping at her grandpa’s grocery store. Barbara attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Neligh High School in 1958. She then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where she studied sociology and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She graduated in 1962, leaving small town life on a train headed for Columbia University in New York City. She embraced the big city and earned a Master of Social Work degree in 1964. Barbara dedicated her life to serving others as a social worker and worked hard to make the world a better place. She started her career at a settlement house in Louisville, KY from 1964-1966, then moved to a mental health clinic in Norfolk, NE from 1966-1968. She was a school social worker for Denver Public Schools from 1968-1970 and then a social worker at Uta Halee School for Girls in Omaha, NE from 1970-1972. Once settling and making Lincoln home, she worked at the Malone Community Center, then became the executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, Big Brothers Big Sisters and ended her career as the executive director of the Northeast Family Center. She then retired to spend time with her beloved grandchildren. Barbara married Rev. Dr. K. Lowell Gaither on August 13, 1966 and together they had three children; David Gaither of Omaha, NE, Michael Gaither (Felicia) of Holiday, FL and Andrea Phillips (Ryan) of Lincoln, NE. Barbara has six wonderful grandchildren who brought her great joy; Langston Gaither, Grace Gaither, Gavin Gaither, Ty Phillips, Jada Phillips and Stella Phillips. Barbara has two wonderful siblings she loved very much, Virginia Larson (Merle) of Yankton, SD, and Frank Morrison (Lynn) of Clearwater, NE. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law Mary Ellen Gaither (George) of Humboldt, NE and several cousins, nieces and nephews she loved. Barbara was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and sister Olivia Kay. Everyone who met Barbara experienced her bright smile and kind, thoughtful personality. She always put others before herself and would do anything to help someone. She loved gardening, spending time with her husband, siblings, children and grandchildren. She volunteered as a Big Sister, Teammate and Kiwanis member and cherished her time with PEO sisters. She was the most loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt and nana. Her kindness lives on, and she leaves a piece of herself in those she touched throughout her life. Thank you to Country House for providing excellent care over the last 3 years. Memorials can be sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lincoln or the Alzheimer’s Association. Barbara’s memorial service will be Saturday, September 3rd at 11am at Christ United Methodist Church (4530 A Street), with a luncheon following. Burial will be in Royal, NE at a later date. 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.
Elizabeth Jane Meehan
Born on December 18, 1934. Passed away on August 20, 2022. Elizabeth Jane Meehan, 87, beloved mother, born to Alice Louise (Kellogg) & Glenn Clarence Keetle on December 8, 1934 in Lincoln. She was raised on a farm SW of Ashland and graduated from Ashland High School in 1952. Elizabeth married Bobby Lee Meehan on September 18, 1954 at The Ashland Methodist Church. Along with working for The Nebraska Dept of Health & Human Services for 30 years, she loved and supported her 6 children in all of their activities and continued that love for her 6 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren. Elizabeth is survived by brother Roland (Doris) Keetle of Ralston, sister-in-law Judy Keetle of Lincoln, her children David Meehan, Karen (Richard) Inurrigarro of Harlingen, TX, Sharon (Dave) Heaton of Glendale AZ, Scott Meehan of Bloomington, IN, son- in- law Ward Hageman of Ceresco, grandchildren Trenton (Liz) Harryman of Ft Worth, TX, Derek (Shelley) Harryman of Waxahachie, TX, Shawna Harryman of Carrollton, TX, Shelby (Jerry) Wallen of Unadilla, Alex Hageman, Taylor (Jacob ) Gramlich of Ceresco. Preceded in death by daughters Debra Meehan of Lincoln, and Kathryn Hageman of Ceresco. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials to CHI Hospice Lincoln 245 S 84th St. Ste 300 Lincoln, NE 68510. 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.
Steven L. Crisler
Steven (Steve) Crisler, age 66, of Lincoln passed away on August 18, 2022 with family by his side. Steve was born to Janet Fuller (Hanshew) and Harold Crisler on March 10, 1956. His early childhood years were spent in Franklin, NE where he learned to hunt and fish and enjoy nature, which he carried with him throughout his lifetime. He loved track in school and often took place in track events. On one occasion, he ran so fast that he lost a shoe and a competitor stepped on the inside of his bare foot with his cleats, but Steve kept running. He ended up needing stiches, but he finished the race which got him a write-up in the local newspaper. That drive and determination was something he kept with him at whatever point of life he was in. With a family change came a move back to Lincoln where his middle and high school years were spent. He selflessly mentored and helped care for his younger siblings. He took on tough responsibilities and learned the virtues of self-sacrifice and helping others. There was no one he would not lend a hand to. After school he joined the U.S. Army and spent 2-years in Missouri and Colorado. Upon his return he married his high school sweetheart, Patty on October 17, 1980 and started their family of three and grandparents to seven. Over 45 years ago Steve began his distinguished career with the City of Lincoln Wastewater System. He worked his way up from being an Operator to Superintendent of Operations and had authority over two advanced wastewater treatment facilities. He provided valuable input to the planning and design of the facilities and took on a vital role in the successful startup, operation and maintenance. These facilities received several EPA regional and national awards for outstanding operation and maintenance. Steve was key to the successful and efficient operation and maintenance of these facilities over the decades. He was very active in Nebraska Water Environment Association and the Water Environment Federation over many years and served on numerous committees, including being on the NWEA Executive Board and serving as the Director. With his expertise and certifications he was sought out for consultative work in other cities and states. Steve loved long drives in the country, often times letting the gravel roads take him wherever they led him. He especially loved spending time in western Nebraska, particularly the Valentine area. His son, grandsons, and nephews were all part of his journeys whether it be for summertime fishing or wintertime ice fishing. His most cherished time spent however was with his family. He loved taking them on vacations, often being on the beach and close to the ocean. Near the end of his life he made one last trip with his family to Florida, a place he had hoped to retire to. The time spent with his grandchildren was endless. There is hardly a picture of him without one or more on his lap or by his side. His family reveled in his excellent cooking skills. He was told on more than one occasion that he missed his calling – that of being a chef. He was as good or better with the BBQ as any other. Many of his weekend meals were like a holiday feast. He also loved taking care of his yard, which included an array of beautiful flowers. There was nothing that did not flourish under his green thumb. He was a friend to many and enjoyed vacationing with them and finding the best eating establishments wherever they went. Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pat. Children; Jill (fiancée Reshaud) Crisler, Kayla Crisler, and Brent Crisler, all of Lincoln. Grandchildren; Trenton, Collin, Amiyah, Jayda, Harper, Emry, and Camron. Father; Harold Crisler. Siblings; sister, Stacey (Greg) Lima and brother, Michael Crisler. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at Lincoln Berean Church, 70th & Hwy. 2. Memorials to the family will be designated at a later date. 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.
Jeannette A. Kucirek
From Omaha, Nebraska.
Born on April 22, 1930.
Passed away on August 18, 2022.
Preceded in death by her husband, Jerome, daughters Virginia and Christine, grandsons Keith and Daniel, granddaughter Elizabeth.
Survived by her daughter Karen (Jim) Kalisch, sons Steve (Jean), Doug (Karen), Richard; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Graveside service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 7710 West Center Road Omaha Nebraska on August 27th at 10:00 a.m.
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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