A Funeral Mass for Velma Zakrzewski, age 96 of O'Neill will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 5, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. https://holtboydcatholic.org/velmazak Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Friday, October 4, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a Catholic Daughter Rosary at 7:00 pm.  Velma passed away peacefully on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Parkside Manor in Stuart surrounded by her loving family.  Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Schools or St. Patrick's Altar Society.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Velma LaVone (Passieux) Zakrzewski was born on February 22, 1928, in Monowi, Nebraska, to John "Jack" and Clara Passieux.  She was a loving daughter, wife, sister, mother, mother-in law, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

She married Paul F. Zakrzewski on June 1, 1946.  They shared 49 ½ years together before Paul's death in January of 1996.  Paul and Velma raised 9 children on a farm Northeast of O'Neill: Larry Zakrzewski (Margaret), Fritz Zakrzewski (Sally), Dee Swinarski (Dave), Dianne Grutsch (George), Marilyn Grutsch (Bernard), Paul Zakrzewski (Erin), David Zakrzewski (Mary), Kathy Bartos (George), and Mike Zakrzewski (Shelly).

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, Clara and Jack Passieux; her siblings and their spouses, Darlene Weinberger (Cletus), Betty Green (Marvin), Ray Passieux (Bonnie), Vernon Passieux (Marilyn); other brothers-in-law, Bernard Rohde and Ed Froemming; sons, David Zakrzewski and Fritz Zakrzewski; son-in-law, Dave Swinarski; and grandson, Corey Grutsch.

She is survived by 2 sisters, Jackie Rohde and Ruby Froemming; her remaining 7 children; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; 29 grandchildren; 57 great grandchildren; 6 great, great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Velma's life was one of loving, humble service to others.  She was devoted to her family but always had time for friends and relatives, especially those in need.  She was hard working, laboring on the farm with gardening, canning, sewing, helping with farm chores, household work, all without the luxuries of today's modern life (even without electricity for the first 5 years of marriage), but her highest glory was motherhood.  She was known for her gift of hospitality – there was always a welcome spot at the table to enjoy her delicious homecooked meals.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She was always available to them whenever they needed a loving grandma to comfort them with a hug, a listening ear, and a cookie or two.

She served in many quiet and humble capacities, bringing food to others, helping out at the country school, and being a good neighbor and friend.  She was a long-time member of the Catholic Daughters and the American Legion Auxiliary.  As a member of the Altar Society of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill, she helped prepare and serve many funeral dinners and was especially acclaimed for her famous deviled eggs.

Velma will be remembered for her kindness, faith, hospitality, and unwavering love for her family.  Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.