Mary Ann Klecan

Mary Ann Klecan, a loving and inspiring pillar of faith from Odell, Nebraska, passed away on June 11, 2026, at the Gardenside Home in Fairbury, Nebraska. Born on October 21, 1934, in Hanover, Kansas, Mary Ann, fondly known as "Gabby”, was a beacon of light and warmth in the lives of her family and by everyone she met.

Mary Ann was a supportive and devoted farm wife, dedicated mother, and loving grandmother. She married, Orvill Klecan on April 11, 1956, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hanover, Kansas, beginning a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, hard work, and shared dreams. They worked side by side their entire married life starting and operating a dairy farm in the Odell area. Together they built a life rooted in faith and family.

Known for her incredible strength and unwavering spirit, Mary Ann faced life's challenges with grace and determination. In 1988, she lost her beloved husband, Orvill, her resilience and love of her family carried her forward. Mary Ann's contagious laugh and warm smile could brighten any room and bring joy to everyone, fortunate enough to know her. Mary Ann found great joy in baking and cooking for family, friends, and neighbors. Her kitchen was a place of love, generosity, and tradition, where countless memories were made. Her famous kolaches were especially cherished, often creating friendly competition—and even a little jealousy—among those hoping to be the lucky recipient of a fresh batch. Whether through a meal shared around her table, a kind word, or a warm smile, Mary Ann had a special gift for making others feel loved and welcome.

She spent her years creating a nurturing home for her family while tending to her garden, farrowing pigs, caring for the farm, and keeping a beautiful home and yard. Her faith and love for her community were evident through her volunteer work at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odell, where she taught CCD and was an active member of the Altar Society. She also worked at the Tiger's Den in Odell and served as a substitute cook for Diller-Odell Public Schools.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Donald (Cathie) Klecan of Beatrice, William (Mary Beth) Klecan of Topeka, Diane Bruna of Hanover, Carol (Ted) Bruna of Hanover, Allen (Julie) Klecan of Odell, Orville Klecan of Odell, Michael Klecan of Odell, and Mary (Russ) Placek of Wilber; and 21 beloved grandchildren Donald (Jackie) Klecan, Kristine (Matt) Kauffman, Danielle (Travis) Friesen, Brian (Robin) Klecan, Kurtis (Kaylyn) Klecan, Kelli (Jay) Robertson, Adam (Sam) Klecan, Michael (Angie) Bruna, Clinton (Kali) Bruna, Collin (Ali) Bruna, Michelle (Alex) Rombeck, Colleen (Kent) Bruna, Tina (Skylar) Price, Patrick (Kendra) Bruna, Joshua (Sami) Bruna, Tiffany (Ethan) Diedrich, Connor Klecan, Andrew Klecan, Tyler Klecan, Matthew Klecan, and Michelle Klecan; and 37 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Nancy Goeckel and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Orvill, parents, William and Anna (Jedlicka) Goeckel, her sister, Eleanor (Ernest) Zarybnicky, brother, William Goeckel and Orvill’s parents, sisters, brother and their spouses.

Mary Ann's body will lie in state Friday from 3:00-8:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odell with the family greeting friends from 5-7:00 PM. A Scriptural Prayer (Rosary) Service will be held on Friday starting at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odell, with a live stream available on her memory page at www.ghchapel.com. She will be laid to rest at the Hanover Catholic Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the St. Mary's Catholic Church and other charities to be determined at a later date by the family.

We encourage you to share your most cherished memories of Mary Ann and watch her video tribute and service on her memorial page at www.ghchapel.com. Please feel free to upload any photos that capture the inspiring, loving, supportive, and witty woman we all knew and loved.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.