Virginia Kresl

Virginia Kresl

May 30, 1929-November 7, 2024

Virginia grew up in Mashak, Oklahoma. Her dad died when she was ten. Her mom ran a country store, making it possible for Virginia and her sister, Tina, to attend Mount St. Mary High School in Oklahoma City. She graduated in 1946.

After graduation, she joined a Franciscan Convent and took the name Sr. Mary Rafael. As a Sister, she taught junior high English (which she did not like) and then studied nursing at St. Anthony’s Hospital. She graduated in 1959. After leaving the convent, she moved to Nebraska to work at the Veterans Administration Hospital; working there until she retired.

Upon arrival in Omaha, she joined St. Cecilia Cathedral Parish. During an adult education program at the parish, she met Leon Kresl. They married in 1994. Throughout her life, she traveled around the world. Her passport has stamps from New Zealand, Japan, Nepal, India, Israel, and many, many more countries. She was known to love her pets, especially the poodles, and to exclaim “Mercy!” any time a family member said something a little cheeky.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Hedvika Novak Lanum; father, Orville Henry Lanum; husband, Leon Kresl; stepson, Steve Kresl; sister, Lucy “Tina” Lanum Becker.

She is survived by her stepchildren: Therese Banks (Larry), Terry Kresl (Jean), Mary Bradley (John), Jean Larsen (Douglas), Joan Smith (Gary), Jeri Warner, Janet Kresl Moffat (Douglas) and John Kresl (Carol); eighteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

VISITATION:  Thursday November 14, 5:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha followed by a VIGIL SERVICE with NURSE HONOR GUARD PRESENTATION beginning at 6:00PM.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, November 15, 2024, 11:15 AM at St. Cecilia Cathedral, Nebraska Chapel, 701 N. 40th Street.

INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: St. Cecilia Cathedral or to Catholic Charities

To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.