Darlene Adele Kreifels

1932 - 2022

Kreifels, Darlene Adele (Koke)

August 1932 - October 18, 2022

Darlene A. (Koke) Kreifels died on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, surrounded by her children. She was born in Omaha in August 1932 to Joseph and Frances (Langdon) Koke. She was raised on their farm near Gretna, NE and graduated from Gretna High School. After High School she attended St. Catherine's School of Nursing, Creighton University, and earned her RN degree in 1952. She spent her career helping others through her work in the neo-natal unit at St Elizabeth's hospital, a private pediatrician's office, and a family practice office. She married Bud (Harold) Kreifels, the love of her life, on September 15, 1952, and together they raised their nine children: sons, Steve of Utica NE, Mike (Irene) of Ord NE, Roger and Tom (Robin) of Lincoln NE; and daughters, Jan Kreifels, Deb (Ed) Wingrove, Barb (Steve) Wallingford, Margaret (Ed) Bates of Lincoln NE, and Ellen (Randy) Heald of Fort Scott, KS.

Mom loved camping and fishing with Bud, crocheting blankets for her children and grandchildren, and looking through mail order catalogs. She absolutely loved babies and looked forward to seeing them as often as she could. She never missed an opportunity to send cards for birthdays and anniversaries or just to let someone know she was thinking about them. She especially loved sharing stickers with her grand and great-grandchildren. She really enjoyed playing cards and at the age of 88, confined by Covid, learned to play cards online with her family. Online or in person, Mom almost always beat us at cards.

Mom was a founding member of St John Catholic Church and their altar society, a member of the Pink Sisters' Auxiliary and Catholic Daughters of America, and a volunteer for Birthright and Lancaster County Medical Society.

Mom is survived by her children; 25 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Royal of Gretna NE, and JoAnn Aschoff of West Point, NE; brother, Jack (Gloria) Koke of Gretna, NE; sister-in-law Pat Kreifels of Bennett, NE; and brother-in-law Jim Kreifels of Lincoln, NE. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Kreifels; great-grandson, Drake Martell; her parents; sister, Eleanor Pratt; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

A ROSARY for Mom was held at 7pm Friday, October 21, at St. John's Catholic Church, 76th and Vine Street. MASS of CHRIATIAN BURIAL for Mom was held Saturday, October 22, at 10am at St John's Church, Lincoln NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. John's Catholic Church, or donor's choice.

Condolences can be sent to: www.bmlfh.com

BUTHERUS, MASER & LOVE FUNERAL HOME

4040 A St., Lincoln, NE | (402) 488-0934 | www.bmlfh.com