Marie L. Joska, 99, of Kimball, died at the Kimball County Manor on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Funeral services for Marie will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Cantrell Funeral Home in Kimball with Randy Bohac officiating. Burial will follow in the Kimball Cemetery. Friends may stop at the funeral home on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. Friends may also visit www.cantrellfh.com to view her tribute wall and leave condolences and stories for the family. Memorials may be given in her memory to either the Kimball Auxiliary or the Kimball VFW . The services for Marie have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Marie Joska, born on April 7th, 1924, in Alliance, Nebraska, the daughter of Edward and Ludmila (Fitz) Krejci. She left this world surrounded by the echoes of a life well-lived. Growing up on the family farm in the serene Sandhills of Nebraska near Alliance, she attended the Marple Route School and later the Alliance High School. After completing her education, Marie dedicated herself to the family farm, contributing to daily chores and various tasks. On October 19th, 1948, she embarked on a lifelong journey with Joseph M. Joska, exchanging vows in Hemingford, Nebraska. The couple settled in Kimball County, where they nurtured their farm and shared the joys and challenges of life. Marie's resilience and hard work extended beyond the fields, as she spent several years working at the Wild Horse Cafe in Pine Bluffs. Tragedy struck in 1967 when Joseph passed away, but Marie continued to tend to the farm until she was 86 years old. At that point, she transitioned to Park Terrace, a retirement home in Kimball and, later in 2022, found comfort at the Kimball County Manor until her peaceful passing. Marie's life was rich with simple pleasures. Her love for baking and cooking, especially the cherished Sunday dinners featuring her famous fried chicken, created lasting family memories. Whether engaged in bingo, cards, or embroidery, Marie found joy in the company of loved ones. Her green thumb flourished in the garden, yielding bountiful harvests that she skillfully preserved through canning. Bing cherries held a special place in her heart, as did the annual trips to Grand Junction to pick peaches with her family. Marie's spirit danced to the rhythm of life, enjoying polka dances to the tunes of big bands. Her love extended to the animal kingdom, reflecting a compassionate soul.
As we bid farewell to Marie Joska, we celebrate a life marked by hard work, love, and the warmth of shared moments. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and the enduring aroma of fried chicken wafting through Sunday dinners. Marie's memory will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her generosity and spirit.
Survivors include her daughters Helen Quick of Scottsbluff, NE., and Rose (Dave) Miller of Bushnell, NE; grandchildren Shannon Barnes, Joey Morava, Jessi Hayhurst, Roxie (Leo) Palmer and Robin (Pete) Blaha; 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Ludmila "Lil" Mansfield, brothers Edward and George, 2 grandchildren Jenna Miller and Kenny Carpenter.
