Elijah Christin Graczyk

Elijah Christin Graczyk of Kearney, Nebraska, was called home by Our Heavenly Father on December 29, 2020. Elijah was born in Omaha, Nebraska to parents Chris Graczyk and Rochelle Reiter on February 11, 1999. He went to school in Kearney, Nebraska and graduated from Kearney High School in 2018. Elijah lived just outside of Kearney with his Dad (Chris), Stepmom (Michelle), and brother (Christian). Elijah was an amazing young man, who was born with tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder. Even though, before birth, doctors gave him little chance of survival or any quality of life; he defied the odds time and time again and found much happiness in everything, including the small things for his entire life. Elijah found joy in listening to music, being outdoors playing, and absolutely loved the sunshine and the warmth it provided while either sitting out on the patio or sitting in his tree swing just listening to nature. He also enjoyed going for rides with his Dad often just to check out the countryside, hanging out on his Grandpa and Grandma Graczyk's farm, and just spending time with his loving family returning his unconditional love to them. Elijah had a contagious smile that could melt anyone's heart. And through all of his trials of life became one of the toughest kids you would have ever met, but still remained such a kind, gentle and goodhearted soul. He was preceded in death by his great-Grandpas, Richard Urwiller, Edmund Graczyk, and Bruce Reiter; and Grandpa Mark Ayers. Left to cherish his memory are his dad, Chris; stepmom, Michelle; and brother, Christian; mother, Rochelle; brothers, Danny Albrecht III, Tatum and Jaxtyn Reiter all of Kearney; grandparents, John & Kris Graczyk of Ravenna, Rick & Karen Reiter of Kearney, Marla & Cary Shinkle of Fall River, Kansas, Grandma Sandy Ayers of Kearney, and Grandma Deb Ayers of Kearney; great-grandmas, Bea Urwiller of Ravenna, Anna Graczyk of Sumner, and Gwen Reiter of Kearney; uncles, Tony (Erin) Graczyk, Michael (Carrie) Graczyk, Sean Ayers, James Shinkle, Jamie Reiter, and Justin (Selia) Martin; aunts, Jessica (Drew) Schuller, Kim Ayers, Katy Ayers, Megan Ayers, and Suann (Terry) Gipe. Elijah is also survived by numerous cousins, and other relatives and many friends that became part of his extended family because of his widespread love for everyone and theirs for him. Especially Sonja Welsh, his care provider, who took care of Elijah as if he were one of her own and who we will forever be grateful. There will be no funeral services at this time, but a celebration of life will be planned for a later date when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, just like Elijah loved it. Memorials are suggested to the family care of the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, 4115 Ave N Kearney, NE 68847. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Elijah Christin Graczyk

February 11, 1999 - December 29, 2020