Obituary for Dixie B. Krejci

Dixie Beth Krejci was born on February 9, 1960 in Friend, Nebraska to Kenneth & LaVonne (Ruhl) Guthrie. She passed away on April 5, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 58 years, 1 month, and 27 days. She was one of 4 children born in the family.

Dixie was raised on a farm northeast of Exeter, Nebraska. She grew up around a vibrant neighborhood of friends and relatives throughout her upbringing. In her youth, Dixie was also very active in the Methodist Church, attending Sunday school and being a part of many different church activities. She attended Exeter Public Schools and graduated in 1978. As a student, Dixie was part of athletics, school functions, and pep club.

After graduation, she married Bill Krejci on August 5, 1978. She lived in Lincoln with Bill for 3 years while he finished college. The couple then moved back to Exeter in 1980, locating on a family farm in 1983. After Dixie and Bill returned to Exeter, three children were born to the family: Jackson, Dillon, and TaLisa. In 1995, Dixie and Bill relocated to the farm where Dixie grew up as a child, and they have resided there since.

Dixie loved the outdoors. She always looked forward to Spring clean-up and getting flower beds ready after the long winters and also helping Bill with the garden preparations. She and her children also loved having pets. The animals always seemed to draw near Dixie, with her meek and soft-natured presence. She also loved supporting her kids in sporting events, as it became such a big part of the Krejci family life.

Dixie will always be remembered as a caring and loving individual who touched the lives of countless children as a Sunday School teacher and a para-educator at the school for nearly 23 years. She will truly be missed in the family and community.

Dixie was preceded in death by her father, Kenny, father-in-law Bill Krejci, brother-in-law John Winkler, and sister-in-law Karen Pelz.

She is survived by her husband, Bill of Exeter, Nebraska; sons Jackson & Alexandria Krejci and daughter Felicity and Dillon & Amanda Krejci and children Kaylee & Carter all of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter TaLisa & Ty Brown of Hays Springs, Nebraska; mother LaVonne Guthrie of Exeter, Nebraska; brother Dan & Kris Guthrie of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters Deb Winkler and Denise & Ken Cousino all of Lincoln, Nebraska; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Dixie was held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Exeter-Milligan High School. Pastor Jeff Jensen officiated the service. The recorded selections “Praise You In This Storm,” “Tears In Heaven,” and “Welcome Home” were played during the service.

Pallbearers for the service included Jason Dumpert, Willie Dumpert, Jeremy Becker, Logan Papik, Ben Guthrie, and Drew Winkler. Interment was held in the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer Funeral Home of Exeter conducted the services and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the family with a future scholarship to be established in Dixie’s memory.

Adlers Share With Exeter-Milligan Students

You could have heard a pin drop in the Exeter-Milligan Gym on Thursday March 29^th as Ralston School Superintendent Dr. Mark Adler shared the story of their son, Reid’s, suicide.

He explained how their son had taken an inappropriate picture of himself and shared it with a female peer.  She then threatened to release the picture on social media.

Adler explained that Reid did reach out to him and his wife and shared that he felt like taking his own life but never shared his secret with them.  The family immediately sought counseling and felt that they were going in a positive direction.

Unfortunately, the girl did share the picture on social media and that one action caused Reid to take his own life very unexpectedly.

Adler and his wife, Joni, have made it their goal to do what they can to make a difference for another family, “I’m not going to let any of our (Ralston) kids get bullied.  If I have one message I could share with a student, it is don’t leave parents out. What has been done cannot be changed.  What is ahead can be defined.”

Joni also spoke to the student body.  “I believe we can learn something from everything.  First, don’t take inappropriate pictures of yourself.  Stop the cycle of hate.  I don’t have a magic wand to wipe away the bullying.”

She explained that bullying exists outside of school, in communities, workplaces and even churches. 

Her goal, “Is to arm you with self-worth.  I don’t understand why we give other people the power over our self-worth.”

She showed a crisp $20 bill and asked the student body if it they wanted the money and then crumpled it and asked if they still wanted it.

“The condition it is in has nothing to do with the money.  The $20 is worth something.  The same with you.  It doesn’t matter what you have done.  You still have great worth.  If you are the bully you can change.  Your self-worth comes from your gifts, your talents.”

She explained that their son Reid had them fully convinced that he was suicidal because he didn't measure up to his older sister instead of the confessing the mistake he had made.  She emphasized, “There is never a mistake you should have to pay for with the price of your life.”

And along with making mistakes, forgiveness needs to come into play.  Joni explained that forgiveness is sometimes the hardest thing to do.  She encouraged the student body to be kind to themselves and forgive those who have hurt them.

She shared how she has forgiven the girl who posted the picture of Reid on social media.

The Adler’s shared the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services statistics that in 2014 in youth 10 – 14 suicide was the leading cause of death in Nebraska.  Among 15-25 year olds, it was the second leading cause of death.

Joni shared that, “Suicide does not end the pain, it just transfers the pain to those who love you the most.”

“If suicide is ever something you have considered I have one word for you, don’t.”

She reminded the students that no matter how overwhelming the present situation is, in ten years it won’t matter.

One of the most important aspects of their presentation was to encourage the students to confide in an adult.  Dr. Adler explained that despite texting over ten of his close friends that fateful night sharing his fears, none of Reid’s friends contacted an adult.

Their plea to the 10,000 students they have spoken to is to be kind.  “I’m convinced if the girl had used a bit of kindness, it would have gone a long way.”

Dr. Adler struggled with his emotions at different points in the talk especially when he talked about the special times he and Reid shared and now the special times he is missing with him now.  He would be a junior at Ralston High School this year. “The guy that should be leading the team isn't there.”

He encouraged the students to embrace two things, leadership and courage.  “Someone is looking up to you no matter where you are at.  What kind of leadership are you portraying?”

The courage come is as he reminded them that if they hear something that they feel is bullying they need to get it stopped and if they don’t do anything, they are part of the problem. 

The Adler’s left bracelets with the motto #be kind for all of the Exeter-Milligan 7 – 12^th graders.

The Adler’s speak to students for no charge.  They ask schools to make a donation toward a scholarship fund they have set up in Reid’s name to keep his memory alive.

Exeter-Milligan principal Laura Kroll first heard Dr. Adler speak at an Administrator Day in Kearney in 2016.

“I was fortunate enough to get into their session.  Their story was so impactful that I knew at the conclusion of their presentation that I wanted our students to hear their message.”

Kroll continued, “I hope that it was just as impactful for our kids as it was for me when I heard them speak for the first time.  I hope Dr. Adler and Mrs. Adler’s words and their message resonates with our kids far into the future.”

Exeter-Milligan Update: Murphy Wins at State Speech

Caitlin Murphy, a sophomore at Exeter-Milligan, recently participated in the Nebraska State Speech Tournament at Kearney.  She qualified for the state meet in two events, Informative and Persuasive Speaking. She made finals in Persuasive Speaking, placing 4^th overall.  Congratulations Caitlin on a successful speech season!

Death Notice for Dixie B. Krejci

A Celebration of Life will be held for Dixie on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Exeter-Milligan High School Gymnasium. A Public Graveside Service will be held at in the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral. The Casket will not be present at the School the day of the service.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter.

Memorials are suggested to the family and a Scholarship in Dixie's memory will be established.

Exeter-Milligan Update: Class D All State Band

Row 1 (L-R); Cammie Harrison, Caitlin Murphy, Jaiden Papik, Macy Due

Row 2 (L-R):  Hannah Horne, Trever Zelenka, Kayla Geiger, Anna Sluka, Kaitlyn Vavra, Clint Oldehoeft, Alexis Uldrich, Nick Hayek

Row 3 (L-R):  Mitchell Manning, Joel Klemm, Josie Kresak, Patrick Murphy, Peytan Brandt, Eli Johnson, Joey Bartu, Theron Odvody

E-M in Class D All-State Band

By Angie Murphy, E-M Music Instructor

Exeter-Milligan had twenty students selected to participate in the Class D All-State Bands on Saturday, March 24.  Hannah Horne, baritone saxophone medalist, was selected to play in the Jazz Band under the direction of Mark Irvin.  Dr. Michelle Bluford directed the Symphonic Band.  Students performing with her were Cammie Harrison and Alexis Uldrich, flute; Macy Due, bass clarinet; Kayla Geiger and Anna Sluka, alto saxophone; Theron Odvody and Mitchell Manning, trumpet; Patrick Murphy, Clint Oldehoeft and Eli Johnson, trombone; Peytan Brandt and Joey Bartu, percussion.  Tony Falcone directed the Class D Wind Ensemble. Kaitlyn Vavra received a medal for her selection as first chair third part clarinet and Nick Hayek received a medal for his selection as first chair third part trombone.  Caitlin Murphy and Josie Kresak were each awarded a medal for first and second chair French Horn respectively.  Also selected to the wind ensemble were Jaiden Papik, Trever Zelenka and Joel Klemm.

Exeter-Milligan Finishes in Third at Turkey Creek Relays

Both the Boys and the Girls Track teams finished in third at the Turkey Creek Relays at Friend on Wednesday. 

Exeter-Milligan Hosts Family Art Night

Above – Jozie Kanode helps Deacon Erdkamp make marbled paper with shaving cream and paint.

Exeter-Milligan held their annual Family Art Night on Tuesday, March 20^th in Exeter.  The gym was filled with artwork created by Exeter-Milligan students along with several stations and a photo booth.

Exeter-Milligan students, guests and their families were able to make creations with all kinds of art supplies.  Each station was supervised by a student from the art department under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Kanode, art teacher at Exeter-Milligan.  This is the third year for the event which has become very popular.  This year a photo booth was added where the students could express themselves through photography. 

Above – Kaitlyn Vavra dips paint onto a canvas for Kora Havel and her mom, Ashley so that she can make some blown paint art.

Below – Axel Erdkamp works on a pictured made entirely from “Skittles.”

Above – Landon Socie and Katie Mounce add paper machine to a Timberwolf form at Family Art Night at Exeter-Milligan.

Below – Art Teacher Lisa Kanode paints Landon Socie’s face while Gracelyn Becker (right) and Kate Pribyl (middle) watch.

The make your own creature station was very popular during Tuesday night’s Family Art Night at Exeter-Milligan.