Gail Lynn Brezenski, 77, of North Platte, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2022 at Linden Court. She was born on July 28, 1945 in Long Beach, CA, the daughter of Russell Gordon McKenzie and Edna Dell (Peterman) McKenzie.
Jesus referred to Nathaniel as a “man in whom there was no guile”. Gail also possessed that rare quality, neither was there any deceit in her. She was unassuming, honest, faithful, kind, generous and empathetic to others. She loved her dolls as a little girl and carried those motherly instincts into her golden years. By their 20th year of marriage, most people were done being parents, but she still had 20 more to go. When her children participated in field days in grade school, there was always a baby in the family that attracted attention from their friends. Most of the children didn’t experience little ones in their families and it was exciting for them to interact with the babies.
Gail was especially watchful for less fortunate people during Christmas season doing what she could to brighten their lives. She was always happy to lighten the load of her husband’s billfold. She had a motherly approach to her students when she taught in public schools. The children often pointed her out to their parents in stores. Though she chose to be a stay-at-home mom, she freely used her education in church capacities teaching all ages from the nursery to adult Sunday school. She home schooled two of her youngest children.
Of all her qualities, she was universally described as sweet, even into her final days of suffering the ravages of Alzheimer’s.
We thank Heavenly Father for the time she dwelt among us and also for His mercy in calling his beautiful daughter home in a timely manner. Our lives will be a little sadder in the coming years, but Heaven also shines a little brighter because our Sweet Gail is home.
Gail graduated from Pennsbury High School in Morrisville, PA, and then graduated with a BA in elementary education from Omaha University. She worked in the OB Ward of Bergan Mercy Hospital, and later substitute taught in several local public schools. She married Steve Brezenski in Omaha and together they had ten children. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Gail loved to garden and enjoyed weeding parties with her children. She knitted for fun but usually dismantled her knitting. She loved to sing, especially Primary Children’s hymns to the delight of her children. Her sorority sisters in college acknowledged her singing ability by presenting her with a flat bucket made of plywood.
Those left to cherish Gail’s memory are her husband of 55 years, Steve; children, Steve (Jill) Brezenski of MT, Jessie (Chris) Guidry of OK, Andy (Teresa) Brezenski of Lincoln, NE, Jerry (Michelle) Brezenski of AK, Gail (Tyler) Brooks of Omaha, NE, Beverly (Aaron) Jarvis of England, Margie (Josh) Eastlick of IA, Audrey (Jeff) Walker of MO, and Benny (Cathy) Brezenski of North Platte; 33 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; father, Russell McKenzie of OR; sister, Debbie McKenzie of OR.
She was preceded in death by her mother; son, Joseph “Joey”; and brother, Rusty.
Private graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, for family at Ft. McPherson National Veterans Cemetery in Maxwell, NE. Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family for future designation. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.