Mary “Kay” Cihal
Mary “Kay” Cihal
July 12, 1941 - July 14, 2019
Mary Kay Cihal was born July 12, 1941, in Omaha to John and Mary Rose (Puetz) Hanus and passed away July 14, 2019, in Dwight at the age of 78 years and 2 days. Kay grew up on the family farm in the Bellwood area, where she attended Marietta School through 11th grade. Her family moved to a farm near David City before her senior year, and she graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School with the class of 1959.
After high school, Kay worked for a short time at the Butler County REA before going to work in the trust department at First National Bank in Lincoln until 1966. Kay married Melvin Frank Cihal at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City on Aug. 27, 1966, and to this union three children were born. Mel and Kay lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the first few years of their marriage, where she continued to work in banking. In 1968, they moved back to Butler County and established their family farm near Dwight. It was here they lived and raised a loving family for nearly 53 years of marriage.
Kay always kept busy working on the farm. She loved gardening, canning and baking, and she sewed many clothes and quilts for her children and grandchildren. Above all, Kay was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She most enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending their sporting events, band concerts and other special activities. Kay cared for many loved ones throughout her life and is most remembered for selflessly giving her time to family, friends and neighbors. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses and actively participated in the Altar Society. Kay had a firm and constant devotion to her Catholic faith throughout her life, but especially during her final illness.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Genevieve Hanus; sister, Jeanne Hanus; brother, Gerald Hanus; and brother-in-law, Leon Orender.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her husband, Melvin Cihal; children, Jean Osborn and fiancé Scott Patton of Wellsville, Kansas, Sheri Hilger and husband Kevin of Olathe, Kansas, and Alan Cihal and wife Dana of Seward; four grandchildren, Madi Hilger, Riley Hilger, Brenna Cihal and Broden Cihal; brother, John Hanus and wife Penne; two sisters, Connie Johnson and husband Don and Karen Steffensmeir and husband Paul; brother-in-law, Gary Cihal and wife Shirley; two sisters-in-law, Mary Jean Riha and husband Larry and Delores Orender; and many nephews, nieces and dear friends.
A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, also at the church, with the Rev. Michael Stec celebrating mass. A graveside service and inerment will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery near Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be made to Aquinas St. Mary’s Guardian Angel Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
