Cliff Kreifels, age 86 of Elkhorn

Clifford A. Kreifels, age 86 of Elkhorn, NE (formerly Nebr. City and Columbus, NE) passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Clifford Albin Kreifels was born on April 24, 1939 in Paul, NE, the son of Carl John and Leonora A. (Gottwald) Kreifels.  He grew up in the Paul and Nebraska City area where he graduated from Nebraska City High School with the Class of 1957.  After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and received his Electrical Engineering Degree in 1962.

He was united in marriage to Jean Marie Volkmer on Sept. 9, 1961 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church near Julian, NE and to this union four children were born:  Jerry, Judy, Janet and John.

He worked at Dale Electronics in Columbus, NE where he was a Product Engineer until his retirement in 1999.

While in Columbus, Cliff was a member of perpetual adoration for many years. Cliff and Jean moved from Columbus, NE back to Nebraska City in 1999 after Cliff’s retirement. Both were active at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where Cliff served as a Lector.

He was a strong supporter of the National Rifle Association, the Rifle Club, and enjoyed operating ham radios.

He is survived by his children:  Jerry Kreifels (Mary Kae) of El Dorado Hills, CA, Judy Wight (Brian) of Omaha, NE, Janet Kreifels (Bruce Johnson) of Springfield, MO and John Kreifels (Samara) of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren:  Nicholas Kreifels, Jonathan Kreifels (Abby), Samuel Kreifels (Madison), Daniel Kreifels, Brianna Bass (Shane), Clairissa Coniglio (Todd), Jacob Wight (Samantha), and Aniya Kreifels; seven great-grandchildren:  Dylan, Brian, Jasey, Lilian, Lainey, Giovanni and Halle; two brothers:  Melvin Kreifels (Lila) and Leonard Kreifels both of Nebr. City; sisters and brothers-in-law:  Shirley Straub, Carol Kreifels, Larry Volkmer (Carol), Rosemary Dutton, Monica Lichtenberger (Pat), and Leonard Volkmer (Deb); other family and friends.

Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Jean on October 14, 2021; grandson Ian Kreifels, his parents, sister-in-law Juanita Kreifels and brothers-in-law: Jerry Dutton and Don Straub.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City with Fr. Jonah Brox celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Nebr. City.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thurs. (2/5) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City with a Rosary Recitation at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Catholic Social Services.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.