Mick Kreifels

Michael Allen Kreifels, or Mick to all of his friends, was born the oldest of six in Omaha, Nebraska to Allen and Delores (Lorenz) Kreifels on July 24, 1951. He entered his heavenly home on January 6, 2026. He was raised in Springfield, Nebraska. He spent his youth working at Kreifels Hatchery. When he wasn’t working you could find him hunting and fishing, raising a ruckus with his many friends and cousins, and exploring his grandparent’s farm in Nebraska City.

He graduated from Platteview High School in 1969 and attended Kearney State College where he met the love of his life, Kathy Jo Wakeley. They were united in marriage on December 16, 1972. They began married life in Gretna, Nebraska and then moved back to Mick’s hometown in 1974. They raised three children Erin, Joe, and Anne blocks from where Mick grew up. Mick taught his children to love the outdoors and he spent hours coaching them in tee ball and community building basketball. While Mick was a great dad, he was a better grandpa. Thursdays with Grandpa were the highlight of his week and included visits with Allen and Delores, Cabela’s, a lunch of Costco samples, and time at the Louisville Gun Club to fish. He was a fixture at Platteview and Pierce High School sporting events and musical productions. His ten grandchildren were the highlight of his life.

Mick worked at Control Data and then United AG for many years. He then found his true passion for trees and gardening while working at Earl May before finishing his career at Lanoha Nursery. If people had any questions about which tree to plant or how to care for their plants they called Mick.

In 2020, Mick and Kathy bought a lake home near Columbus and it quickly became one of their favorite places. Everyone he met got an invite to come spend time at the lake. Mick and Kathy were fortunate enough to travel to many places including Alaska, Hawaii, Jamaica, and one final dream trip to France this summer.

Mick came from a large, close knit family. His five siblings were his first and longest friends. Mick never met a stranger. He loved to host, “get yourself a drink, there’s beer and pop in the fridge” were heard every time you stopped by for a visit.

Mick is survived by his wife of 53 years Kathy. His children and their spouses, Erin and Mike Patera, Joe and Jenny Kreifels, and Anne and Carl Scholting. His grandchildren Abbey (Tereic) Carlisle, Tate (Jenna O’Hara) Patera, Ellie (Jaden Krenzer) Patera, Reed Patera, Ben Kreifels, Julia Kreifels, Abram (Gracie Borer) Scholting, Skylar Scholting, Haley Scholting, and Brody Scholting.

Siblings and their spouses Marla and Dave Kildow, Bob Noble, Buster and Pennie Kreifels, Jeff and Theresa Kreifels, and Angie and Kevin Carlson. Brothers in law and sisters in law Bob and Barb Wakeley, Dona and Scott Shehan, Tom Wakeley and Mary Thelen, Jill and Tim Pickinpaugh. Mick is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to count.

He is preceded in death by his parents Allen and Delores, Kathy’s parents Don and Elaine Wakeley and his sister Christie Noble.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Springfield Volunteer Fire Department or Springfield Platteview Alumni and Friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, located at 100 9th Street, Springfield, Nebraska. A funeral service will immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. The committal service will be held at Springfield Cemetery.