Funeral Services For Jenny Stracke

Jenny Ann (Shane) Stracke was born August 18, 1969 to Charles and Holly (Smith) Shane, the seventh child of eight. She grew up on a farm north of Atkinson and attended country school District #180 and graduated from West Holt High School in 1987. She was active in FFA, FHA, athletics, high school rodeo and was a long-time lifeguard at the Atkinson City Pool. She received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1991.

She was united in marriage on June 8, 1991 to Michael Stracke at the First Presbyterian Church in Atkinson, later making their home in Stuart. To this union four children were born: Alison, Madison, Tyson and Reagan.

Jenny’s first teaching job was at country school District #89. She also taught at Stuart Public School before receiving her master's degree in Administration/Curriculum from Wayne State College.   She pursued her passion in curriculum and instruction and working with students and parents when she became the elementary principal at West Holt Public Schools. She was principal for 15 years. Jenny’s many talents were also utilized by being active and serving on the West Holt Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.

Jenny’s love for teaching and working with the students was evident throughout her work. She loved spending time with her own children and attending their events. This is what led her to full-time retirement in 2014. She remained a curriculum and instruction consultant and worked for the area schools even after retirement. Her intention was to return to teaching or administration once their children completed high school. She never missed a sporting event or rodeo. Her rodeo family often relied upon her expertise and passion.

Jenny is survived by her husband Mike, children Alison, Madison, Tyson and Reagan. Her parents, Charles and Holly Shane of Atkinson and her father and mother-in-law, Mel & Marge Stracke of Stuart. Her siblings Colette (Shane) Clark-Uteck of O’Neill, Kirk & Barb (Doolittle) Shane of Atkinson, Jerry & Tammy West Roh of Abie, NE, Scott Shane of Atkinson, Gary & Carol (Shane) Kaup of Colleyville, TX, Todd & Amy (Graham) Shane of O’Neill and Chad & Amy (Shane) Rieck of Creston, IA. Her in-laws Mark Stracke of Stuart, Gary & Mardell (Stracke) Stoltenberg of Stuart and Matthew & Amber (Poessnecker) Stracke of Atkinson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

​She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Carl & Lillie Smith, paternal grandparents Oliver and Ferne Shane, sister Lori (Shane) Roh, brother-in-laws Anthony (Tony) Clark and Russ Uteck and nieces Rachel & Hope Shane and Kira Erickson.