Catherine “Katy” Varicak, of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Great Plains Health, at the age of 86.
Katy was born September 8, 1930, to Richard Leonard and Louise Hoath (Wilson) Coad at Tullahoma, TN. She graduated from Hutchinson, KS, in 1948 then attended the University of Kansas before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Katy began teaching in area schools then taught English, History and PE at North Platte High School. In 1985 she received her Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Nebraska and served as the Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools for two terms.
On December 30, 1954, Katy was united in marriage to Emanuel “Mike” Varicak in North Platte and they eventually made their home on Sycamore Street. When Katy became a mother, she stayed home to raise the children and did substitute teaching.
Katy was a member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior where she sang in the choir and served on the vestry. She was also a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, D.A.R., Friends of the Library, Porcelain Pals Painting Club and was a founding member of the North Platte Community Playhouse. Katy enjoyed golfing and served as the North Platte County Club’s President of the Ladies Golf Association.
Katy also liked playing cards, reading, doing crafts and taking care of her flowers. She often took walks around the neighborhood and would stop to visit with others about their gardens. Katy loved her family and her cats, and was especially proud of her grandchildren.
She leaves behind her husband, Mike, of North Platte; children, Jayne Couchois, of Granada Hills, CA, Michael (Beki) Varicak, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Will (Jackie) Varicak, of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren, Michael, Michaela, Elizabeth “Ellie”, Cole, Eric, Catherine and Daniel; her special cat, Koko; as well as her niece, nephews and other family.
Katy was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Louise Coad; sister, Bette Lundin; and her beloved cat, Mr. Kitty Yoda Checker “Max”.
Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service will be 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Father Jeffrey Nelson officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the North Platte Animal Shelter or the Episcopal Church of Our Savior.