Shirley Krejci

Shirley Ellen Krejci, 73, of Springfield, Nebraska was born in North Platte, Nebraska to Virgil and Gladys (Holtgren) Jorgenson. She grew up nearby in Hershey, where she greatly enjoyed horseback riding and 4-H projects. Shirley graduated from Hershey High School in 1968 and attended Nebraska Wesleyan. She was married to her first husband, Stephen Simon, briefly as he fought leukemia. She moved to Minnesota, then returned to the University of Nebraska Lincoln where she met her husband, Fred at Love Library.  Shirley and Fred were married for 43 years.

Shirley worked in banking and they moved to a home near Springfield, Nebraska.  Together they were members at nearby St Joseph's Catholic Church where she played the piano and organ, and later, St Patrick's Catholic Church. This is where she took great pride in married life and raising her children, Kara and Andrew, among wonderful friends and neighbors. Shirley loved the wide-open spaces and a beautiful, sunny morning.   She enjoyed Fred’s flowers and trees and fresh garden produce.  She later returned to the work force in medical insurance and billing and worked until she retired. 

Shirley found great joy in sharing her holiday baking, especially her caramel corn and peanut brittle.  She enjoyed frequent gatherings with her family. With her dear sister, Tricia, and brother, Kip she reminisced about small town living and growing up on the farm. She always had a childhood story of riding into town on horses and playing with now lifelong friends. Shirley always loved shopping a good sale and took great pride in her appearance. She had the art of shopping perfected when gifting her loved ones. She enjoyed reading the daily newspaper and nonfiction, as well as true crime.  In the summer, she loved relaxing days at the family cabin and boat rides around the lake.  Her grandchildren, Cameron and Reese, and nieces and nephews gave her great delight. As a life-long Husker fan, she enjoyed going to Husker football games and following Nebraska basketball and volleyball.  Her travels with Fred to Lake Louise, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Alaska were cherished. 

She cared for Fred gently. Over 17 years, she bravely fought multiple cancers. She rarely complained.   She had a way of finding positivity, hope, and happiness in simplicity. Shirley will be sorely missed.

Survived by her children: Kara (Jason) Reed of Lincoln, NE and Andrew (Sarah) Krejci of Yutan, NE and grandchildren Cameron and Reese Krejci.  Brother Kip Michael Jorgenson of Hershey, NE, sister Tricia (Steve) Rosno of Leawood, KS, nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by her husband, Fred W. Krejci, and first husband Stephen Simon, and her parents, sisters-in-law Mary Ann Hansen Jorgenson and Mary Kay Schopen Krejci.

Visitation is Wednesday, April 10th, 5:00 to 6:30 pm with Vigil service beginning at 6:30 pm at Roeder Mortuary, 11710 Standing Stone Dr.  Gretna, NE. The Funeral Mass is at 10:00 am Thursday, April 11th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 508 W Angus Street, Gretna, NE.  Shirley will then be laid to rest at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, North Platte, NE on Friday, April 12th at noon.

Memorials can be sent to the St Patrick's Catholic Church and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.