Kathleen Ann (Reikofski) Palky, age 83, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord on June 7, 2026, with her husband of 62 years, John, at her side.

Kathy was born on November 21, 1942, in Hartley, Iowa. As an only child growing up in northwest Iowa, she developed the resilience, perseverance, and strength of character that would serve her throughout her life. Her faith became a steady foundation and source of guidance through every season.

Kathy graduated as valedictorian of the Hartley High School Class of 1961. As the first in her family to pursue higher education, she attended the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While attending school, she worked as a live-in nanny. After graduating, she moved to Crete, Nebraska, where she began her career as a clinical laboratory and X-ray technician at Crete Hospital.

It was in Nebraska that Kathy met the love of her life, John Palky. The couple married on April 2, 1964, and made their home in Dorchester, Nebraska, where they raised their sons, embraced the traditions of farm life, and became deeply involved in their community.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Kathy was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Dorchester. Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life. Through daily prayer, Bible study, worship, and service, she sought to faithfully live out her beliefs. Her faith was not simply something she professed—it shaped how she cared for others, faced life’s challenges, and celebrated life’s blessings.

Kathy dedicated 42 years of service to the Crete Medical Clinic, where her compassion and genuine concern for others touched countless lives. Even after retirement, Kathy continued performing laboratory work for insurance companies and the railroad. She later worked as a cook for Dorchester Public School, where she enjoyed serving the community she loved.

Service to others was a hallmark of Kathy’s life. She served on numerous boards and committees, including the Dorchester School Board and as a charter member of the ESU 6 Board of Education in Milford. She also held various church leadership positions and served with the Saline County Historical Society and the Dorchester Centennial Committee. She was one of the founding members of the Backpack Food Program at Dorchester Public School. Kathy participated in mission work, including hurricane relief efforts following Hurricane Hugo, and supported many local outreach ministries throughout the years.

Kathy found joy in both simple pleasures and meaningful adventures. She took great pride in her garden and enjoyed sharing its harvest with family and friends. She loved fishing, reading, cooking, and writing. She especially enjoyed gathering family and friends around her table, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with good food, conversation, and laughter. She and John enjoyed traveling throughout the years, including annual trips to Minnesota’s north woods and Voyageurs National Park, vacations to Mexico with family and friends, and Christmas visits to Branson. Whether at home or traveling, Kathy treasured time spent with those she loved.

More than any accomplishment, Kathy cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who delighted in her family and treasured every opportunity to encourage, support, and pray for them.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Fern Reikofski; her in-laws, John and Helen Palky; and her brother-in-law, Don Palky.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Palky; her sons and daughters-in-law, Dave and Belinda Palky of North Canton, Ohio, and Gary and Vicki Palky of Dorchester, Nebraska; her grandchildren, Kyle Palky and his wife Autumn, Rick Palky, Lauren Palky, Garrett Palky, Olivia Palky, Chris Medina, Tisha Medina, and Tomi Coffey; her ten great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Those who knew Kathy will remember her gentle spirit, kind and loving nature, generous heart, and steadfast faith. She considered faith, family, service, and gratitude to be life’s greatest blessings, and she devoted herself to sharing those gifts with others. While her family mourns her passing, they rejoice in the assurance that she is now whole, healthy, and at peace in the presence of her Savior, whom she faithfully followed throughout her life.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Dorchester United Methodist Church in Dorchester, Nebraska. Burial will follow at Dorchester Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, July 10th from 5 - 7 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.