Nancy Jo (Rupe) Vacek, 70, of Wilber, passed away April 18, 2021, in Crete.
Nancy was born in Lincoln to Mirl and Mary Rupe on Aug. 17, 1950. She graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1968. After graduation, Nancy resided in Virginia, Iowa, (where she raised goats) and Kansas (where she worked at a radio station) before returning to Lincoln. Upon her return, she worked for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She married Leslie “Les” Vacek on Dec. 1, 1984, in Wilber, where they spent 36 years together. Nancy was dedicated to the Dvoracek Memorial Library for more than 30 years, where she began cleaning and eventually became co-director prior to retirement. She was a devoted daughter, wife and mother. Nancy and Les loved spending their weekends at polka dances or country line dancing with friends. Nancy’s favorite pastime was reading any and every book. She also enjoyed going to movies, playing card games, baking anything chocolate and spending time with her family. She was known for walking everywhere in town and never taking anyone up on a ride, no matter how many times she was asked.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Mirl and Mary Rupe of Lincoln. Nancy is survived by her husband, Leslie Vacek of Wilber; daughter, Julie and husband John Hensel of Wilber; step-daughter, Tammie Vacek of Lincoln; brother, James Rupe of Pecos, New Mexico; and her grandchildren, Caleb Capps of Lincoln and Teagen Hensel of Wilber.
A memorial service was April 22 with interment at the Wilber Czech Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dvoracek Memorial Library in Wilber. Condolences may be left for the family at www.kunclfh.com.
