Katherine Anastasia Valasek

Katherine “Katie” Anastasia Valasek, 60 of Grand Island, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, June 11, 2021.

Family will greet friends from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Abundant Life Church in Grand Island. A Time of Remembrance will be at 12:00 P.M. with a lunch to follow at the church.  Inurnment will be held at 3:00 P.M. at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Spalding. Father Antony Thekkekara will officiate.   Memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics of Grand Island.  Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Katherine was born to Andrew & Jude (Vandenberg) Valasek in Spalding, Nebraska on October 23, 1960.

Katie grew up in Spalding with her siblings. Being diagnosed with Down Syndrome in her early years didn’t stop Katie from being active with the family.  Katie enjoyed life, was involved in Special Olympics, basketball, bowling, along with field and track. She enjoyed trips with Special Journey’s, crafts, ARC dances, babies, animals, and she loved KFC chicken!

Katie is survived by her brother, John Valasek of Columbus, sisters, Victoria Ketteler of Petersburg, Margaret Lee of Lynch, Loretta Asche of Malcolm, Rita Hellbusch of Fullerton, and Ann Peterson of Charlotte, North Carolina and their spouses; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Valasek of Albion; many nieces & nephews; special care given by MNIS; and various roommates over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary (Valasek) Koenig; and brother, James Valasek.