Lavonna J. Krajewski

LAVONNA J. KRAJEWSKI, 82, of Grant, NE, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022 surrounded by her children in Lincoln.

LaVonna was born June 5, 1940, at Elwood, Nebraska to Bud and Meredith (Moncrief) Whitman. In 1947, the family moved to Brandon, Nebraska. LaVonna attended grade school in a little schoolhouse at Brandon. She graduated from Perkins County High School with the class of 1958 and subsequently attended beauty school in McCook.

While in high school LaVonna enjoyed working on the Gerald and Rose Krajewski farm performing housework and childcare, and in turn met the love of her life, Edwin. On January 2, 1960, LaVonna married Edwin Krajewski at St Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala, NE. The couple made their home north of Brandon, where they farmed and raised their family.

LaVonna was fantastic in the kitchen, and when harvest time came around, her gifts really shined. When LaVonna's blue and white van came into view, a diligently prepared and delicious harvest time feast was sure to follow. She was a tireless worker and didn't shy away from what needed to be done, whether driving the silage truck, a cattle trailer, serving others a meal, or dressing thousands of chickens with dear friends and family.

LaVonna had a wonderfully light demeanor, never met a stranger and had a contagious laugh that filled a room with joy. She loved to visit and did so often, with happy eyes and an unforgettable smile.

LaVonna was a dedicated mother and grandmother who attended the spectrum of her children and grandchildren's outings, from 4-H to sporting events and everything in between.

The final season of her life brought hardship, the loss of her husband, Edwin, in 2017, and challenges to her health. LaVonna met those challenges with both faith and optimism. LaVonna most recently had made a new home at Westview, where she especially enjoyed spending time with friends. In this last year, with the help of her trusty wheelchair, often referred to as the pink Cadillac, she was able to attend Husker Volleyball games, the Red & White Football Game, visit the Mall of America, Omaha Botanical Gardens and so much more.

In addition to her husband, LaVonna was also preceded in death by her father, William "Bud" Whitman; her mother, Meredith Seiler; her granddaughter, Maya Bibins; her brother-in-law, Dwight Beckman; and a sister-in-law, Jody Krajewski.

Survivors include her children, Chuck and Linda Krajewski of Venango, Deb and Kevin Armknecht of Ogallala, Terry and Kami Krajewski of Grant, Sheri Krajewski of Lincoln; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Eric Bibins Sr.; "adopted" daughter, Jill Standage; siblings, Sharol and Linda Whitman of New Liberia, LA; brothers & sisters-in-law, Mary and Andy Krajewski of Smithfield, Phyllis and Larry Holscher of Ogallala, Joe Krajewski of Grant, Joyce Beckman of Geneva, Ruth and Lonnie Saltz of Raymond, Geraldine Krajewski-Hobbs of Sacramento CA; along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Perkins County Health Services Cardiac Rehab Unit in LaVonna's memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant, with Fr. Thomas Bush as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Grant.

Visitation will be on Monday, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. The Rosary will be recited on Monday at 7 p.m. at the church.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.