Dorothy Mae Rejcha was born September 2, 1922 in Crete Nebraska to Anton and Helen (Sysel) Kupka. She passed away peacefully at Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation October 27, 2017 at the age of 95.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Stanley, Sister Lenora Hass, Brother-in-law Renye Hass, Sister Leona Jirak, and Niece Marsha Hass.
Dorothy attended Crete schools and graduated in 1940. Dorothy and her two sisters Lenora and Leona performed at several programs and events singing traditional Czech songs. Dorothy was always very proud of her Czech heritage attending Czech days, dances, and various local events.
Dorothy's first job was working at Kindle's bakery. She then went to work at Plouzeks Drug Store. Dorothy shared her mother's passion working with flowers and became a florist at Savory's in Crete and later at Dole Floral in Beatrice as a designer for floral arrangements, funerals, weddings, etc. Dorothy retired from the floral business in 1978 due to health reasons.
On February 18, 1950 Dorothy was united in marriage to Stanley Rejcha. They made their home in Beatrice. They celebrated 40 years dancing together through life until Stan's untimely passing in 1991.
Dorothy was involved in various organizations. She was an active member of the American Auxiliary Legion serving chicken dinners and funeral lunches. She served as Girls State chairwoman for several years spending many hours with the girls preparing them for Girls State. She was a past member of the auxiliary's executive board, the 8 & 40 Club, and Lancaster Salon 92.
She spent many years as a volunteer at the Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center in the gift shop and was a past member of the hospital auxiliary.
She was an active member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women in their mission throughout the world. She belonged to Ruth Circle and the Keystone Supper Club. She was member of the ZCBJ Lodge #3 in Crete, serving as past treasurer. She was awarded the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2002.
In her "spare time" Dorothy enjoyed many hobbies that included sewing, needlework, quilting, baking, making corsages and centerpieces, gardening and tending her roses. She was known for her generous nature by many for the time she spent with family, friends, and neighbors helping run errands, sharing some of her delicious baked goods, or sending a note of friendship and encouragement.
Left to cherish her memory: Brother-in-law Ed Jirak, Boise ID, Nieces and Nephews Bob and Jackie Hass, York, NE, Maribeth and David Stone, St. Peters, MO, Jim Jirak and Susie Rhodes, Boise, ID, Tom Jirak and Susan Graber, Layfette, CO, Jana Jirak and Karen Hackett, Lansing, MI, great nieces Angie Hass, York, NE, Dr. Michelle Stone, Huntsville, TX, cousins and many friends.
Celebration of life: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, at Centenary United Methodist Church, Beatrice. Rev. Mark Schutt officiating the service. Visitation will be on Tuesday, 5 – 8 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Interment: Wilber Czech Cemetery. Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber is handling arrangements.