Jeannette Duba Krupicka was born July 20, 1931, to Anton and Anna Crha of Buhl, Idaho. Jeannette passed away peacefully Dec. 8, 2023, at the Wilber Care Center at the age of 92.
Jeannette was born in Idaho, and as a teenager, she moved with her mom and step-father, Rudolf Kusy, to Crete and attended Crete High School. She married Milo Duba in 1948 and they had three children, Larry, Faye and Regina. Her husband, Milo, was tragically killed in an accident in 1964 and she then worked as a cook at the Wilber High School in order to support her children.
She subsequently remarried and wed Kenneth Krupicka on Aug. 10, 1968, at the United Methodist Church in Wilber and they began their 55-year marriage. Jeanette and Kenneth have two children, Julie and James. Jeannette was a great cook and wonderful baker. She was a huge animal lover and her pets brought much joy and comfort to her life. Jeannette could speak the Czech language and loved to listen to polka music and watch the Mollie B. Polka show with Kenny.
Jeannette served as an active member of the Wilber United Methodist church congregation, devoting her time and energy to serving on church committees, and for several years, coordinated the Czech Days church dinners with her friend, Carol Fictum. For many years, she offered a scholarship to Wilber High School graduates in memory of her daughter, Regina Duba. Jeannette and Kenneth traveled to most of the 50 states in America, as well as internationally to the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and 2 Caribbean cruises. They often enjoyed Sunday drives around Nebraska and visiting local events.
In later years, Jeanette and Kenneth would enjoy fishing with Carol and Raymond Fictum, as Jeanette and Carol remained close friends over many decades. She also enjoyed growing flowers and plants, crocheting and doing crossword puzzles.
Jeanette is survived by her husband, Kenneth G. Krupicka (Wilber); son, Larry Duba and daughter-in-law, Bertha Duba (Leadville, Colorado), and his children, Sarah and Shawn; daughter, Faye Duba (San Diego, California), and her son, Brett; daughter, Julie Krupicka (New Zealand); and son, James Krupicka and daughter-in-law, Sierra Covell (Denton) and children, Lacey, Justice and Tuff; her niece, Agnes Krupicka (Western); and her great-grandchildren, Skylar, Kashton and Lucy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Anna; her first husband, Milo Duba; their daughter, Regina Duba; and grandchildren, Blake Weaver and Penny Krupicka. Jeannette will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
A memorial service will be Thursday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Cards can be mailed to Kenneth Krupicka, 1381 County Road 1350, Wilber, NE 68465. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or Saline Center Elder Care. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
