Catherine A. “Cathie” Palensky

Catherine A. “Cathie” Palensky

April 22, 1933 – April 22, 2021

Preceded in death by husband, Joseph A. Palensky.  Survived by children: Joe, Jill Vincentini (Tom), John, Jeff, Jim (Dee Dee); 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, May 2^nd at 4pm at West Center Chapel with family receiving friends from 2-4pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, May 3^rd at 10am St. Gerald Catholic Church, 96^th and Q Street.  Interment: Resurrection Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to St. Gerald’s Grade School.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service, Mass and Graveside Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.

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Cathie Palensky was born Catherine Ann Fritz to parents, Harvey and Violet Fritz, on April 22, 1933 in Salem, Nebraska.  She was the oldest child, being the big sister to brothers Bob, Ron, and Art, whom all preceded her in death.  Her father passed at the age of 49, which was a devastating loss to the family, but they pulled together to continue to run the farm and live their lives to the fullest. 

In 1951 while his family oil business, Palensky Oil Company, was drilling wells in Southeast Nebraska, Cathie met and eventually married Joe Palensky in 1953.  Joe was almost twelve years her senior; and they had a wonderful and adventurous marriage that was together almost 60 years until Joe’s passing in 2009.  Cathie and Joe started their life together in Falls City, Nebraska where son Joe and daughter Jill were born.  The young family later moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they lived for six years and sons John and Jeff were born.  Before relocating to Omaha, Nebraska in 1967, they made a brief stop back in Verdon, Nebraska and son Jim was born in Falls City.  The family eventually settled in Omaha, Nebraska right outside of Ralston, Nebraska where they raised their five children and saw them all graduate from Ralston High School. 

Cathie would also venture back into the work force, serving the Ralston Public Schools for many years.  She greatly enjoyed working not only because of the income boost to the family, but also the closeness and connection to the school community that her family was so actively involved with.  The family would continue to grow with Cathie and Joe welcoming ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Their lives were non-stop with numerous international and domestic trips, countless sporting and music events that filled their lives via their grandchildren, and dedicated support and service to their church and parish, Saint Gerald Catholic Church.  Cathie never missed an opportunity to brag on her grandchildren – she was super proud of all of them and if you asked, she would give you the detailed current status on every one of them!  All this activity truly kept Cathie going – she was not going to miss anything and was always anticipating the next event. 

In addition to all the family and church activities, Cathie was an avid bridge player and in earlier years was very active playing tennis and participating in other athletic endeavors.  Cathie had numerous friends and acquaintances and those that knew her will tell you how fun, friendly, and positive her personality and spirit were.  Many were inspired by her dedication to family and love for life.  Cathie was very devoted to her church and lived a life dedicated to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the family is comforted to know her eternal spirit will now reside in heaven with her beloved husband Joe.  She will be missed but we should all be so lucky to live such a full life!