Judith Ann Jarecki

Judith “Judi” Ann (Degenhardt) Jarecki was born to Everett and Ruth Degenhardt on November 17, 1944, at her grandparents' farmhouse, where she was delivered by a country doctor and her grandmother. At age 5, she became a proud older sister to Kathy Rocco.

As the oldest child of deaf parents, Judi took on heavy responsibilities from a very early age, interpreting for her parents and helping to make financial decisions. She grew up near the Missouri River in Carter Lake; but after getting displaced by the big flood of 1952 and coming home to find a basement full of water and swimming snakes, they moved to the Benson area.

When she was 18, she became an unwed mother and made the very tough decision to give up her beautiful baby daughter for adoption. Later in life at age 70, Judi was overjoyed to be reunited with her biological daughter Denise and was blessed to see the amazing woman that she grew up to be. Later, when Judi was 20 years old, she married Ronald “Ron” Jarecki in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 27th, 1965, and so began a long and beautiful marriage of 40 years which lasted until Ron’s passing in 2005. As a devoted wife, Judi took good care of her husband through many years of kidney failure and other health issues. There was no sacrifice too great that she was not willing to make for her husband and children.

Judi leaves behind 7 children and their amazing spouses: Denise (and Tom) McLaughlin, Michael (and Kristine) Jarecki, Joseph (and Jessica) Jarecki, James (and Desiree) Jarecki, Mary (and Mike) Dulac, John (and Karen) Jarecki, and David (and Michelle) Jarecki, as well as her sister Kathy (and Bob) Rocco, sister-in-law Marge Jarecki, 2 wonderful nieces and a nephew, and 28 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren with at least 2 more on the way.

Her friends & family describe Judi as kind, selfless, giving, and generous with her love for others. She was the “Heart of the family” and a “mother to those in need”. Judi loved traveling, antiquing, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. But most of all, she loved the Lord and saw the beauty of his creation in everyone she met. She never uttered an unkind word about anyone, but treated each person as if they were the most precious treasure.

A reflection by Judi Jarecki

“When I grow up, I want to be a saint. I wanted to model my life after my namesake – Judith from the Bible. Judith was a lady that didn’t take pride in beauty or specialness. She heard the Lord and obeyed. It took courage. Sadly, I could never be the leader, the disciplining parent, the eloquent speaker, so I just want to be known for one who loved. I want to be that flowing water over the rocks that over time is smoothing the rough edges of those I love and bringing them to the Lord.”

Visitation with Vigil Service will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 8200 N 30th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68112, on September 28, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by the Vigil Service at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 8200 N 30th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68112, on September 28, 2026, beginning at 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 8200 N 30th St., Omaha, Nebraska 68112, on September 29, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am.