Jean Ann Krajewski, 78, of Ogallala, passed away September 21, 2023, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora, CO.
Jean was born June 30, 1945, at Central City, Nebraska, to Russell F. & Mae M. (Reeb) Lindgren. The family moved to Sidney before relocating to Ogallala when Jean was a Junior in high school.
Jean graduated from Ogallala High School in 1963 and then married Bernard James "Jim" Vasa Jr. in 1964. Their union was blessed with a son, Jamie; however, Jim died in a tragic farming accident five months before the birth of Jamie.
After the death of her husband, Jean spent a brief season of life on the East Coast, where she welcomed a daughter into the world, Carolyn, a name that means "strong" and "brave."
Jean would later return to Ogallala, where she worked at Hoke's Cafe. And on February 10, 1968, Jean married Jerry Krajewski, and their union was blessed with three children: Justin, Jody, and Jason. She spent many years working at Sixth Street Food Store and Good Air in Ogallala, where she made many, many lifelong friends.
Jean continued to work as the family grew and was highly active at St. Luke's Catholic Church, where she served on the Altar Society, held Bible studies, and was very engaged in Magnificat over the years. Jean had a keen sense of fashion and was ever classy in her dress. She also loved to travel and enjoyed trips to such places as Italy, Sweden, China, Canada, and Mexico, to name a few.
To speak of Jean meant also to witness to her great joy. She was a kindred spirit, reliably finding the laughter in situations. She could also be counted on for good sarcastic humor. Jean loved to have fun, and her attitude was light and had a way of illuminating the overcast moments.
Jean loved Jesus, and HE accompanied her through all the hills and valleys that life would bring, growing her faith along the way. She praised HIM in good times and hard times, and HE, of course, was ever faithful.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Bernard James "Jim" Vasa Jr.; granddaughter, Marcella Grace Cook; brother, Russell Forrest Lindgren; and brother-in-law, Otis Williamson.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Krajewski of Ogallala; children, Bernard James "Jamie" (Sherry) Vasa III of Petersburg, TN, Carolyn (Lonnie Fourhman) Cook of Shrewsbury, PA, Justin (Jodie Mitchell) Krajewski of Spearfish, SD, Jody (Brian) Krajewski-Lay of San Diego, CA, Jason Krajewski of Lincoln; grandchildren, Alexandra (Richard) Leavitt of Hyrum, UT, Garrett (Matracia) Vasa of Dupree, SD, Madison Vasa of Providence UT, Phillip (Jess) Cook of York, PA, Cassidy Cook of Baltimore, MD, Lilly Cook of Centerville, Ohio, Graceann Cook of Shrewsbury PA, Caden Mitchell and Justine Mitchell of Spearfish, SD; Great grandchildren, Evangeline Vasa, Evelyn Cook, Brynley Cook, Madison Joy Cook; sister, Marilyn Williamson of Grand Island, NE; sisters-in-law, Sally Lindgren of Oregon City, OR, Bonnie (Ernie) Willey-Husmann of Chappell, NE; brother-in-law, Bill Vasa of Ogallala; grand puppies, Will and Kate; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in memory of Jean for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.
Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 10 AM at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Rosary and Wake Services will be on Wednesday at 7 PM at St. Luke's Catholic Church.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.