Janell Macek

Janell Marie Macek, age 68, of Gibbon, passed away December 25, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. The Funeral Mass was held Friday, December 29, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser as celebrant.

Burial will be at a later date at the St. Mary’s Cemetery at Prairie Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Please visit www. hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence.

Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Janell was born on May 5,1955, in Kearney to Harold and Joan (Smallcomb) Cepel.

Along with her three younger brothers, she grew up on the family farm southwest of Gibbon. She attended country school and later graduated from Gibbon High School in 1973.

While in high school, Janell played the flute and was in the 4-H club.

On May 14,1977, Janell was united in marriage to Kenneth W. Macek. Kenneth and Janell settled down in the Gibbon area where they raised two sons, Brian and Brad. They celebrated 46 years of marriage this past May.

Janell worked in housekeeping for 32 years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney until she retired. Janell enjoyed spending her days gardening, crafting, baking, and caring for her farm animals. She loved music and dancing with Kenneth on the weekends.

Janell was very active in her dance community. She loved her family dearly, and any day with her grandchildren was a great day. In her downtime, you could find her with her beloved dogs, Sammy and Whitney, cuddled up on the couch. Janell touched countless lives with her warmth, devotion, generosity, and thoughtfulness.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Kenneth, of Gibbon; son, Brian Macek (Jodi), of Gothenburg; son, Brad Macek (Carisa), of Gibbon; grandchildren, Austin, Maverick, Dakota, and Landon; brothers, Tom Cepel (Charla Lambert), of Columbus, Jeff Cepel (Stacey Hollens), of Sterling, and Ken Cepel (Julie), of Kearney; step-mother, Lula Cepel, of Kearney; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Janell was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Joan, and her sister-in-law, Darlene Cepel.

Janell Marie Macek will be greatly missed, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of family and friends.