Netta Kripke Stern

I recently learned of Rabbi Kripke's passing, which got me thinking about Netta. We had lost touch since the last time we met at her daughter Tamar's bat mitzvah. I googled Netta and was stunned by the news that she's been gone for over 3 years! I spent many wonderful times with Netta during our Central High School years, at her family's home in Omaha. Later we became roommates at the University of Chicago. I can still hear her hearty, throaty laugh. May her memory be a blessing to her family...

I just read in the Central High Foundation publication about Netta's passing. As I read her obituary, I knew she had never changed since I knew her as a classmate at Dundee Elementary School. I remember her and her family as kind, gentle, accepting and loving. I often think of Netta when I see a show of kindness and generosity. I am very sad to hear about leaving us way to early. My love goes out to her and her family.

Netta welcomed me when I moved from South Dakota to Omaha in our sophomore year at Central High. I have cherished her kindness and brilliance since 1964, and carry her in my heart. My condolences.

August 10th, 2011

Being a fellow Central High graduate, I was looking over the information on our upcoming 45th reunion, when I noticed Netta's name in memoriam. I was shcoked and terribly saddened to learn than my kindergarden girlfriend had passed away.

From Dundee elementary I had know Netta and have always had a very special place in my heart for her...she was my first kiss...and I don't think I could have picked anyone in the world better to share it with.

I knew Netta Stern in a professional way for more than seven years, although I like to think of her as my true confidant and friend. I came to Netta as single mother seeking guidance at JFS with some issues I was having with my family. Through that relationship -she uplifted my spirits and gave me the strength to move forward with my life despite my tribulations -which led me to focus on my educational goals. With Netta’s help I was able to graduate college with both a bachelors & master’s...

I have just discovered this guest book and read the moving entries that others have left. Netta was my sister-in-law and became a dear friend. She was hospitable and kind. She always sounded so calm and "together": including the times we spoke on the phone not long before she died. She lived life to the fullest throughout the illness she coped with so bravely and clear-sightedly and with humor. She was a lovely, loving person and an inspiration.

Sad to hear about Netta. She's one of the people I wish I had known as an adult. We grew up together in Omaha and I learned to love peanuts and M and M's at birthday parties in her basement. How could a child of Rabbi and Dorothy Kripke not turn out to be a sweet and wonderful person?