05 January 2000

Mattie Frances Leif Krejci was born to Matthies and Margaret Wirtheim Leif on March 24, 1907, and passed away on Dec.23, 1999 at the Community Care in Exeter, at the age of 92 years, 8 months and 29 days. She was the youngest of four in the family.

Mattie was baptized and confirmed at the Catholic Church in Beaver Crossing. On Feb.27, 1907, her father was killed in a "wolf hunt" near Utica. After her birth her mother and two brothers, John and Clay Leif and sister, Theresa Harre, moved to a farm by Beaver Crossing to live and make their home with her grandfather.

Mattie attended Cordova Public School graduating with the Class of 1924. Following graduation she stayed with her mother and grandfather until they moved to Exeter, joining her brother and sister and their families in the Exeter communities.

On Aug. 4, 1931, she was married to John J. Krejci Jr. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter. To this union seven children were born. Mattie loved flowers and gardening until her health failed. She was active in organizing the PTA in St. Stephen Catholic School and was president for many years. She also helped organize the Hot Lunch Program in the Catholic School. Later when the school was disbanded she was the cook for the Head Start program.

Mattie enjoyed visiting with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; daughter, Sylvia Ann; daughter-in-law, Norma Krejci; and granddaughter, Judy Gill.

She is survived by sons, Richard and wife, Barbara of Plattsmouth, Donald and wife, Elaine of Exeter, Linus and wife, Shirley of Exeter, and David and wife, Jan of York; daughters, Elaine and husband, Jim Betka and Margaret and husband, Frank Kassik of Milligan; 24 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM., Monday, Dec.27, 1999, from the St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter with Father Kenneth Borowiak officiating. Lector was Annie Krejci with Mark Becker serving as acolyte. Patrick Gill served as song leader for the congregational hymns. Altar boys were Matt Filipi, Anthony Gill and Josh Betka.

Casket hearers were grandsons, Perry Kassik, Mike Krejci, Jon lireici, Bill Krejci, David Betka and Steve Krejci.

Interment was in the Exeter Cemetery with the Farmer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.