Eileen K. Culek, 76, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. Rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Cantrell Funeral Home and memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kimball with Father CP Varghese officiating. Friends can visit www.cantrellfh.com to share stories and condolences with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the family, to be designated later to support Alzheimer’s research or a local Alzheimer’s organization close to their hearts.. The services for Eileen have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Eileen Katherine Culek was born in Grant, Nebraska on October 10, 1949, the daughter of Ardell and Genevieve (Vlasin) Johnson. She attended and graduated from the Wheatland High School in Madrid. Following graduation Eileen attended Aurora Beauty College in Aurora, Colorado, where she received her degree in Cosmetology.
Eileen was married to Charles Culek in 1970, and together they built a life in Kimball, Nebraska. Later, they moved to the family farm, where Eileen worked as a homemaker, and helped Charles in every aspect of farm life—from harvest to the care of their cattle. In addition to farm life, Eileen was an amazing cook and talented seamstress, crafting many of their square dance outfits and sewing cherished clothing for family.
She also held positions outside the home, working for The Flower Haven and later as a shipping manager at GRI in Kimball. Eileen’s love of people shone brightly—she was always the heart of family gatherings, organizing get-togethers, and making everyone feel welcome. She loved gardening, cooking, and sharing her warmth with all who knew her. In addition to taking care of everyone, she also loved following her kids and grandkids to anything they were involved in.
Survivors include her husband Charles Culek of Bushnell; children, Darla (Dean) Golding of Pine Bluffs, WY., Brenda (Tye) Wynne of Mesa, AZ., and Charlie (Amanda) Culek of Kimball, NE; brothers, Bernard (Pat) Johnson of Kearney, NE., Dennis (Rexene) Johnson of Omaha, NE., Don Johnson of Atwood, KS., Bob(Cyndi) Johnson of Big Springs. NE., and Tony (Ronda) Johnson of Ogallala, NE and sister-in-law Marietta Johnson; sisters Jeannette (Jules) Hoschover of Julesberg, CO., Pat McCormick of Ogallala, NE., Carolyn (Linda) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ., Lynette (Al) Paquet of Windsor, CO. Grandchildren Jadyn (Javier) De La Cruz, Justus Golding, Morgan Wynne, Matthew Wynne, Jace Golding and Brynlee Culek; great grandchildren Wrenlee and Maisie De La Cruz, along with numerous nieces, nephews and her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Leonard Johnson and mother and father-in-law Joe and LaVon Culek.
