Andrew B. “Andy” Krajewski, 92 of Johnson Lake, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Elwood Care Center after a long, valiant battle with cancer.
Andy was born on August 14, 1931, in Ashton, Nebraska to Joseph and Agnes (Goc) Krajewski. At the age of 3, the family moved to Omaha where he attended Catholic grade schools and Omaha South High School, from which he graduated. He then went on to further his education for two years at the University of Omaha.
On June 17, 1952, Andy enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country in the Korean War as a radio operator in the 68th AAA Gun Battalion. He continued his service after the end of hostilities until his honorable discharge on June 8, 1954.
His career in the meat packing industry began prior to his enlistment with a position at Cudahy Packing Company that began on May 5, 1950. Following his discharge, Andy took various positions in the industry in Omaha and throughout the United States. He settled back in Omaha, Nebraska and married Mary Ellen on April 19, 1969. Four children were blessed to this union: John, Linda, Mike and Keith. His family lived in various places throughout the years following Andy with his work, finally settling near Lexington, NE in 1983. Andy served in many different positions over his career of more than 60 years, eventually serving as a Plant Manager on two occasions. He was most well-known as a construction project manager and plant engineer, roles he served in at multiple locations. He retired from Tyson Foods in Lexington, NE in 2013 at the age of 81. Andy loved his career and was respected for his intelligence, competence and work ethic. He made many lifelong friends through his work. Even after his retirement, he continued to read technical articles and consult his engineering handbooks to keep his mind sharp, which it remained until the end. Andy was very giving and would help others in any way he could.
Andy had many hobbies which included classic cars, trains, working in his large gardens (sometimes as many as three different ones) and snow skiing. In his younger years, Andy enjoyed bowling, playing tennis and golfing. He loved his family immensely and rarely missed a sporting event or school activity that his kids participated in. He had the opportunity of a lifetime to go on a Korean War Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Families and friends gave all of the returning veterans a heroes’ welcome when they arrived home in Omaha after the trip, something Andy was grateful he was able to experience. He was a member of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington and St. John Catholic Church in Smithfield. Andy was also a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
He was always busy learning new things and enjoyed visiting with people and enjoyed having fun and participating in social clubs, including LaSalle Club, Omaha Sports Club, Dance Club (all in Omaha) and Club 75 in Lexington, NE. He always loved the opportunity to have a beer and chat with friends and family. He loved music and he would travel anywhere to see a good polka band.
Survivors include his loving wife, Mary of Johnson Lake; his children, John (partner Jamie Moilanen) Krajewski of Smithfield, Linda (Matt O’Brien) Saiz of Lincoln, Mike (Erica) Krajewski of Yankton, South Dakota and Keith (LaNelle) Krajewski of Norfolk; fourteen grandchildren, Brett Krajewski of Lincoln, Clare Krajewski of Omaha, Andrew Saiz of Lincoln, Nick Saiz of Crete, Josephine Krajewski of Bloomington, Indiana, Miles, Harrison, Nora, Sabrina, and Ivan Krajewski all of Yankton, South Dakota, Christian Stallbaum (Dani Thompson) of Norfolk, Hunter Stallbaum of Omaha and Brady and Brooklyn of Norfolk; one great-granddaughter, Aria Stallbaum; brother, Frank Krajewski of Walnut Creek, California and sister, Veronica (Bob) Bonilla of Pioneer, California. He was also survived by multiple nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Viscovich; brother-in-law, John Viscovich and sister-in-law, Lorraine Krajewski.
Mass of Christian Burial will on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jay Buhman and Father Jose Chavez, con-celebrating.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington.
Interment with Military Honors will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska at 2 p.m. on November 14, 2023.
Following the Interment, the family would like to invite you to join them for a reception to celebrate Andy’s life at Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant, 3002 Plum Creek Pkwy, Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to the Polish Heritage Museum in Ashton, Nebraska or Lexington Community Foundation for designation by the family.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.