Deloris Brejcha, of Wilber, Nebraska, passed away peacefully July 30, 2026, at the Wilber Care Center, joining her beloved husband, Leonard, who preceded her in death earlier on June 29, 2026. Their love story, which spanned more than seven decades, was one of devotion, hard work, and a shared commitment to the simple joys of life.

Deloris was born on January 4, 1933, to Charles and Agnes (Burianek) Shestak on the family farm between Pleasant Hill and Wilber, Nebraska. She later became the proud older sister to brother Irvin, who was born 5 years later. She attended rural School District #75, walking a mile to school each day, and later graduated from Wilber High School with the Class of 1950. Though Deloris was naturally shy, she excelled in the classroom after overcoming her struggles with algebra; a lesson in determination encouraged by her father to not give up.

While attending high school, Deloris boarded in Wilber during the week with a local woman who welcomed country girls so they could continue their education. Her father drove her to school each week, and she would return home to the farm on the weekends. Following graduation, she decided to begin teaching. Deloris taught for seven years at a country school near the Halfway Station west of Wilber and later for two years at District #51. Dedicated to her students, she continued her education through summer courses at Doane College and evening classes held at the courthouse. She fondly remembered driving her faithful 1937 Model A Ford, a gift from her father to school and was forever grateful when the county graveled the rural mail routes, making travel much easier during muddy seasons.

In 1950, Deloris attended a dance at Sokol Hall in Wilber with her lifelong friend, Berniece Koll. There she met a handsome young farmer named Leonard Brejcha. Following the dance, the young farmer with a red tie and his brother offered to take her home. Although she wasn't particularly impressed with his car, she later laughed, "Maybe I didn't get a rich guy, but I got a good-looking one." Leonard entered the United States Army in 1951, and the two continued dating while she taught school. They were married on June 4, 1954, in the chapel of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Lincoln, sharing a double wedding with their best friends, Elmer and Berniece Koll Filipi.

After nine years in the classroom, Deloris decided to give up teaching and instead stay home and, as she affectionately said, "help the farmer." Together she and Leonard built a life on the farm through determination, sacrifice, and countless hours of hard work. They often reflected that while people spoke fondly of "the good old days," those days were filled with long hours, wood-burning stoves, and many years without running water for the Brejcha’s. Yet they seldom complained. Instead, they found contentment in the life they built together and preferred many of the old-fashioned ways over modern conveniences.

Deloris had a great love for animals. To her, no dog or cat was ever a stray, and many found warmth beside her wood-burning stove. She also cared for chickens, ducks, and geese and found great happiness tending her flower beds and vegetable garden. Deloris had a laugh that was uniquely her own and a voice that family and friends could recognize instantly. They became part of who she was—comforting, familiar, and impossible to forget!

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Leonard Brejcha; her parents, Charles and Agnes Shestak; her brother, Irvin Shestak; and sister-in-law, Marcella Shestak.

She is survived by her nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

What a comfort to know that Deloris and Leonard are together once again. After a lifetime of faithfully walking side by side through every season of life, it was time for rest, with Leonard waiting for her on the other side.

Deloris will be remembered as a devoted and hardworking farm wife, loyal friend, compassionate animal lover, and a woman whose quiet strength and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.