Lillian J. Kubicek

1930 - 2025

Lillian J. Kubicek

April 12, 1930 - October 22, 2025

Lillian Jean (Hronik) Kubicek passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 95 in Crete, Nebraska. Lillian was born in Lincoln on April 12, 1930, to James and Olie Hronik. After graduating from Crete High School, Lillian married Freddie Kubicek in 1948.

Lillian's greatest joy was being a mother and was proud of her six children: Larry (Judy) of Gretna, Roger (Theresa Gaye) of Louisville, Gary (Diane) of Firth, Susan Hillyard (Rick) of Tabor, Iowa, Janice Reetz (Al) of Crete, and Judy Brandt (Ken) of Lincoln.

Lillian held many titles: Mom, Grandma (13), Great-grandma (32), Great-great-grandma (5). It was no wonder she found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. Living on the farm into her nineties, she always enjoyed visits from friends and family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was even better if she got to play a game of Euchre or Kings Corner with them. In her years on the farm, she enjoyed gardening, canning, raising chickens and cross-stitch. Her greatest talent came in the form of her baking. In addition to her breads and homemade runzas, she was a master kolache maker, always having a batch in tow when she attended family events.

As her family grew, she deeply loved attending events for each of them. It was hard to miss her smile as she watched her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events, showing livestock, or birthday parties. Even sitting in the recliner for hours, holding her newest grandchild or great-grandchild, brought pure joy to her heart.

Another favorite time of Lillian's was watching Nebraska volleyball. She even had the opportunity to attend a couple of games in Lincoln. If Nebraska wasn't on her television, she was probably watching a game show or finishing a crossword puzzle at the kitchen table.

Through the years, Lillian worked at a variety of locations in Crete. Many customers enjoyed her baking talents during her 37 years at the Sunmart and Foodmart bakery where she worked until she was 88.

Lillian is survived by her immediate family, several nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law, Rob Hargraves. She was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie; parents, James and Olie Hronik; and sisters, Norma Smith, Emily Korinek, and Evelyn Hargraves.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Tabitha and Hospice for their excellent care and compassion they provided to Lillian.

A memorial service for Lillian will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete at 10:30 a.m. Memorials have been designated to the Crete Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department or to the family's charity of choice.