On December 5, 2024, Janell “Nell” Lynn Woracek passed away at the Callaway District Hospital with her family surrounding her, at 80 years old.
Nell was born on April 18, 1944, to Lewis and Alice (Miller) Kramer on the ranch north of Stapleton, NE. She attended the University School of Agriculture in Curtis and graduated, receiving her high school diploma in 1962. Nell then went on to complete one year of veterinary college in Lincoln. In October of 1963, she was married to Alvin Woracek in Sargent. The couple was blessed with ten children, 8 of the 10 were born at home. Alvin died in 1983, shortly after the birth of their youngest child. Being the tough and determined woman and mother she was meant to be, she kept the farm running and managed to raise all ten of her children as a widow. Later in life she met her special friend Josh Cooper, and he helped her on the farm until he passed in 2019.
A long list of accomplishments was held by Nell in her life and within the Logan County Fair, including being the Grand Marshall of the Parade, pioneering the chicken scramble and muttin’ bustin’, and overseeing the fair buildings for several years on Saturday nights. Having once aspired to become a veterinarian, Nell loved animals, specifically her goats and rabbits. She was a leader in 4-H for over 40 years and a member of the Lone Valley Extension Club for 46 years. She had the art of writing beautiful letters, as well as faithfully sending Christmas cards every year. She was an avid gardener, participating in the Farmer’s Market since 1993. She also started her own business, Woracek custom haying.
Nell was one-of-a-kind, honest, and strong; she had a capability of accepting life’s curveballs and soldiering on, never complaining. To many, she was “granny” or “mom”. Nell welcoming to many. She never met a stranger. Nell would help anyone but would probably be at least 10 minutes late to do so. Though she had a kind heart, she also had expectations; swearing was not tolerated. She would tease others with having a “swisher stick” to help keep them in line.
She is survived by 10 children, Steven Woracek (Victoria) of Malverne, NY, Thomas Woracek (Barb) of Maxwell, NE, Robert “Bubba” Woracek of Stapleton, NE, Julie Kirts (Steven) of Ames, IA, Philip Woracek (Susan) of North Platte, NE, Mary Wilson (Jimmy) of Central City, NE, James Woracek (Carrie) of Schertz, TX, Veronica Schutz (Tom) of Salina, KS, Thresa “TC” McIntosh of Alda, NE, Jacob Woracek (significant other, Nikki Wipf) of Ord, NE; grandchildren, Justine Woracek, Jaelin Woracek, Trista (Justin) Borg, Seth Woracek, Shayla (Merrit) Dennett, Sarah (Brian) Spain, Kyle Kirts, Lauralee Vencill, Austin Karas, Heather Harper, Tasha Harper, Stephanie Wedlock, Tyson Wilson, Trey (Julia) Wilson, Jasmine Wilson, Trenton Wilson, Cole Woracek (special friend, Hazzie Franken), Jaden (Caroline) Woracek, Jaxton Woracek, Chance Woracek, Nick Schutz, Mathew Schutz, Bob McIntosh, Sam McIntosh, Zoey Aksamit, Brenna Woracek, Emmalyn Wipf, and Corbynn “Peanuts” Wipf; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon (Fat) Kyne, Phyllis Churchill, Jean (Ken) Seib, Nadine (Jim) Kraus; as well as many other family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Woracek; special friend, Josh Cooper; parents, Alice and Lewis Kramer; brothers, Wayne and Victor Kramer; great-grandchild Allison Borg.