Catherine M. Straka

Catherine M. Straka, 89 of Kearney passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home in Kearney. A funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. A rosary will be held 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church followed by visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. until service time. Memorials are suggested to the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Catherine was born April 24, 1936, in Orchard, NE to Joseph Edward and Katie (Boyle) Meuret. She attended St. Ludger School in Creighton, NE and later received her degree from Wayne State Teachers College. Catherine was united in marriage to Donald Straka on June 12, 1958, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Brunswick, NE. This marriage was blessed with five children. She began her teaching career in a small country school near Royal, NE. Over the years, she taught at several other small country schools. Catherine spent most of her years as an elementary school teacher at Atkinson, NE. Catherine enjoyed playing cards and was a member of several Bridge clubs. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Donald Straka of Kearney; children, Steve (Anne) Straka of Buda, TX, Gerard (Nicole) Straka, Maureen (Dan) Bird, and Joe (Heidi) Straka, all of Kearney; son-in-law, Steve Dennis of Kearney; 14 grandchildren, Don (Jacque) Straka, Abigail (Jordan) Hinrichsen, Benjamin (Jen) Dennis, Andrew ( Nikki) Dennis, Derek Dennis, McKensie (Ryan) Downey, Parker (Andrew) Armstrong, Colt and Harley Straka, James (Anna) Bird, Brian (Morgan) Bird, Kevin (Megan) Bird, Whitley (Tanner) Ellingson, and Samuel (Alexis) Straka; 22 great grandchildren; brothers, Joseph (Virginia) Meuret of Kearney and Dick (Louise) Meuret of Brunswick, NE; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Straka of Atkinson, NE and Pam Straka of Omaha; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Dennis; brothers, Lee (Mary Anne) Meuret and John (Rosie) Meuret; sister, Margaret (Phillip) Phillip; sisters-in-law, Nelda Meuret and Rose Frickel; brothers-in-law, LaVern Straka, Alvin Straka and Edwin Straka.

Catherine M. Straka

April 24, 1936 - April 8, 2026