Mary E. Kreifels, age 94 of rural Nebraska City, NE passed away on Friday; August 14, 2026 at Good Samaritan Care Center in Auburn, NE.

Mary Ellen (Esser) Kreifels was born on January 20, 1932 in Nebraska City, NE; the daughter of Henry “Hank” and Ida (Shaffer) Esser. She attended school in Nebraska City and graduated from the Nebraska City High School with the Class of 1950.

On February 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to Milton Robert “Bob” Kreifels at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City, NE and to this union six children were born: Bill, Peggy, Jackie, Beverly, Phillip and Matthew.

Mary was an active and longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was always Bob’s partner on the farm and in their loving home. Mary enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, gardening and raising her children. When the kids were grown, she had a little more time for herself and enjoyed working the apple season at Catron Orchard with the Gress family, reading books, and going on garage sale outings and lunches with friends. Mary had a kind heart and was always willing to help others when needed. She was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

She is survived by her children: Bill Kreifels (Jane) of Nebr. City, NE, Peggy Groff (Rodney) of Auburn, NE, Jackie Kreifels (Tim) of Atlantic, IA, Beverly Musiel (Earl Hershey) of Elkhhorn, NE, Phillip Kreifels (Terrie) of Springdale, AR and Matthew Kreifels (Cindy) of Nebr. City, NE; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 5 great-greatgrandchildren; sisters-in-law: Marlene Esser of Riverton, IA and Pam Esser of Nebr. City, NE; brother-in-law LeRoy Kreifels of Nebr. City, NE; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Milton “Bob” Kreifels who passed away May 23 2010, a son-in-law Dave Musiel, siblings: Steve Esser, Jerry Esser and Donna Cerny (John) and sisters-in-law: Norma Jean Gress (Melvin) and Velda Kreifels.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday (8/20) at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church southwest of Nebr. City with Fr. Ronald Homes celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family will greet friends from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday (8/19) followed by Rosary/ Prayer Service at 7 p.m. – all at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Cemetery or Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden -Humboldt, NE.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.