Y-Vonna Marie Krekel
July 23, 1958 - June 6, 2011

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"My sympathies to Y-Vonna's family...I will remember her as a very loving teacher who helped my son Jake alot! She was patient and kind despite the fact that Jake struggled in her German class. He knew she cared about him. I think of Y-Vonna each Christmas when we get out our silly Advent calendars...they sold them in German class- though old I cannot bring myself to get rid of it...I will say a prayer for the family when I get it out this year for the holidays...I just lost my mom. Please know that your mom made a difference in many students lives-cherish her memory... with appreciation and love in Christ, most sincerely, Becky Crockford"

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"Buhler High School"

"Fond memories of German class at Buhler High (1991-92). Prayers for peace and comfort for family and friends at this time. God bless."

"I will always remember Y-Vonna's belief in my writing!"

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"Mrs. Krekel was my favorite high school English teacher at Buhler. Her love of life and God were evident in how she conducted her classes. My condolences to her family. God bless!"

"Y-Vonna was a very brave and faithful woman!! I am so grateful that I was able to know her and her family through both my work and my husband's work. My thoughts and prayers are with the Krekel family."

"She was an inspiration to all. Even though I didn't have her as a teacher when I was at Buhler she always greeted me with a smile when I would see her. Then years later she helped me become the puppet coach for our LTC program at our church. She was just a joy to be around. Even with her own health issues she took the time to send little messages to me when my daughter was not feeling well. She's just a very thoughtful and loving individual who will be truly missed. She blessed and touched many lives. And I'm so thankful to call her my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Carla Latham"

"I had the privilege of being Ms Krekel's TA my senior year. I still use the pfeffernuss recipe she gave us in German. My fondest memory is of going to Germany. Best teacher I ever had"

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"Y-vonna was a very faithful woman. She was a treasure to know!"

"As a brand-new teacher, school can be a scary place, but not if Y-Vonna was by your side. She made me welcome in a town where I knew no one. When I think of Y, I think of the way she made others feel. That was what really mattered to her - making others feel loved and appreciated. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like her."

"I think I only met Y-Vonna a couple of times but got to know her through you Julia, my lovely daughter. She would always forward me the e-mails from Y-Vonna or Dave when she got sick. Y-Vonna's faith and strength were unwavering. It was obvious she was one heck of a lady and should be an inspiration to us all. Barbara Clouatre"

"Random sweet memories from my friendship with Y-Vonna...I loved you lady - Kelley PankratzI remember...-starting our friendship by teaching next door to each other near the LOUD tech ed wood shop-being in TNT (Teacher's in Touch) Bible studies and sharing thoughts, dreams, frustrations, praises-giving you the label "True Blue" after taking the True Colors personality analysis at BHS - there was no one more compassionate, loving, sensitive and kind-hearted-your laughter despite any circumstance!-your hugs filled with comfort and encouragement-the joy you radiated - there was rarely a negative thought or word coming from you-how proud you were to move into your new room at BHS and how you extended invitations to eat lunch in your new kitchen-the day trips we took over the summer with our dear friend, Sherry Martens-ladies teacher game nights, especially with Marilyn and Treva - what a hoot!-Christmas parties at my house with Julia, Cindy & Doug-those Mary Kay makeovers and all the extra goodie handouts you provided to make it even more special-the pride you had hostessing your friends in the new Buhler home that you and Dave saved up for over many years -a special Valentine message you gave me one year inspiring me to cherish my marriage-your support of me in motherhood, from babysitting my kids to "hang in there" survival stories of your own to help me get mine through the teen years-your annual bread delivery over the holidays - even when you moved!-visits from Georgia where you shared stories and photo albums to keep me updated on "life beyond Buhler"-your concern for your extended family and prayer that they would all know Jesus and live for Him-your love of teaching and heart for the kids that God brought to you - each year was a personal mission project-how your eyes sparkled when you wore your favorite color, bright blue, a perfect fit for your personality-your faithfulness to Dave, Katie, Ben & Clarissa - oh, how you lived your life for your family-letting God use you as a witness for good in your fight with cancer - you are an example to all of us in how to handle life's trails "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4)You fought the good fight Y - now dance with the angels, tell Sherry and Larry hello, and save a place next door so I can hang out like old times - I'll be there with you someday! I love you True Blue. -Kel"

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"I called Y-Vonna and myself "co-moms" -- mothers of Katie and David. We didn't get to visit much, or get to know each other well, but I felt a strong kinship with her. We shared precious children.Peggy Morton"

"I have many fun memories of Y-Vonna when we were kids.I was a little older than her,but I remember thinking when she was born that "Aunt Clara finally had a girl!!" She was one of the smartest women I know and a wonderful Christian witness and inspiration to others as were her brothers and sister. I will always remember her smiling eyes and her contagious laugh! I will miss her very much.She is indeed singing with the Angels now!Blessing to you Dave...and your children too,from our family.Harold & Cindy Reardon ,Heather & Danny Romero & fam. and Mark & Jessica Reardon and family"

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"I remember her sparkling blue eyes as we talked after church. She had such a sweet spirit and you just felt so comfortable in her presence. Her hugs were awesome! Her focus was always that of her Lord and her Family. She was such a great example to me as she lived her Christian life walking in faith. She was a beautiful lady and will be greatly missed by all that knew her. I am thankful for her presence in my life and the blessing that she brought to me as her friend."

"Cheryl and I have known this family since 1987 when we moved to Hutchinson KS and have been so privileged to call them friends for a long time...having the kids in the youth group and doing Katie's wedding....and we send lots of love to you all. We will have everything ready in Hutchinson for the memorial for Y-Vonna. Thank you to the Eastwood church ladies for the lunch and serving the family in this way. Richard & Cheryl Foster"

"BLESSINGS FROM Y-VONNAWOW!! What a Lady!I am truly blessed to have been the friend of Y-Vonna! Her ability to remain positive and upbeat in the most challenging of circumstances was an inspiration to all that knew her and to many who had never met her. What an amazing lady!!!!she did not waste her time and energy fretting and stewing about what she could not change. She always looked for ways to make the best of the situation no matter how discouraging and challenging it was. She not only looked but found a blessing in everything. At one point she asked my permission to whine a little bitI told it was okit would help me to realize she was human. Her faith was so amazing and so encouraging. Her faith never waivered; through everything, she looked to God and to His word for her strength and comfort. Ive been asked many times through out the years, Now, how is it again they you and Y-Vonna are related. I explain . . .well, technically we arent. We just share mutual nieces and nephews from two families. We were college roommates and our husbands were college roommates. We simply traded. So technically, we are not related, we are just family.Y-Vonna and I became friends when we were only 13that was when her oldest brother and my oldest sister started dating. We really did not get to see each other very often, but we always looked forward to our week together at Black Mesa Bible Camp. No cell phones and long distance calls were way too expensive so we kept in touch through the high school years by snail-mail--we thought it was pretty great at the time. We laughed, giggled and cried our way through early crushes and all that high school stuff. We were excited to go to collegein the fall of 76. By her leading us, we both went to York College where we were roommates. Many advised me to not room with my best friendthey said, it would destroy our friendship. Well, we certainly proved them to be wrong! We had a great time as roommatesstaying up til the wee hours discussing the important world matters of the dayprimarily Dave and Stephenthen being too tired to study, wed finally quit chatting and set our alarms for 5:00 AM to get up and study but we NEVER missed breakfast at 7:00 AM No-way! Without fail, we could count on seeing Dave and Stephen there. In June of 1978, Y-Vonna and Dave got married and moved to Manhattan to finish school at K-State. Stephen and I got married in December of 09. (Y-Vonna was my maid of honor, and Dave was a groomsman). We settled in St. John, KS and shortly thereafter, Y-Vonna and Dave settled in Buhler, KS only about 60-70 miles apart. We shared with them in tears at the loss of Daniel. We rejoiced with them as they welcomed Katie, Ben, and Clarissa into their family. You kids were the apple of Y-Vonnas eye. She was so proud of and loved each one of you dearly. She left you a great legacy in faith to follow. Every aspect of your life and especially your spiritual well-being was of upmost importance to her. Dave, Wow! You have been incredible. I once told Y-Vonna she had walked with Jobto which she replied! No, I havent, I have Dave, Jobs wife sucked! She was so blessed to have you.No matter how poorly she felt she was always thinking of others. The last time I got to speak with her was when she called me to wish me a Happy Birthday. Though she was breathless and talking was a struggle, she still called. Though, we did not live far apart, regretfully, we both got busy with work and raising our families and did not stay in as close of touch as I wish we had of all those years they were in Buhler. We never lost touch, we just were not as close as we had been previously.Y-Vonna handled her trials with such grace and dignity. What an example!! From Y-Vonnas repeated emphasis on Phil 4:6 I have learned to take that verse much more to heart. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. In her paraphrase, That means that no matter what we a"

"Y-Vonna is close to my heart, first and foremost, because she was instrumental in my baptism. She had taken me to church with her when we both lived and worked in Buhler. And she talked and studied with me. She invited me to be a camp counselor with her at Silver Maple Camp in 1997. It was there I made the decision to be baptized. Without her intervention in my personal walk with God, I don't know where I'd be today. It sounds clich, but it's true. To me Y-Vonna is one of the most selfless people I have ever had the privilege of being friends with. She has one of the kindest hearts and a genuine sense of generosity and interest in others. It is hard for me to believe that I only spent about four years in close proximity to Y-Vonna. The rest of that time I was in Tennessee or western Kansas and she was in Buhler or Georgia. I can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that for most of our friendship we were not actually spending time together. It seems like we have always been together since we met. I suppose that's what it is like to have such a dear friend and sister in Christ. You just feel like she is always there even when miles separate you. Dave and Y-Vonna (and sometimes with Katie, Ben, and Clarissa) would often stop by my house in Kinsley at Thanksgiving time for a quick visit on their way to Hugoton. I always looked forward to this visit. We would get to talking and it's like no time had passed since we'd last been together. For the four or so years that we worked together, we had so much fun. She and I, along with Doug Murphy, were like the three musketeers of the foreign language department at Buhler High School. We ate lunch together, took our students on field trips together, laughed together, and shared our lives with one another. Those were definitely special years. Y-Vonna was there for me during my turbulent twenties. Our personal motto became "Better not Bitter." At the time, we'd say it and laugh. But we actually did mean it. That motto has served us well for many years. During those years I was able to spend time with, not only Y-Vonna, but with her family. It was fascinating being an onlooker into the Krekel family life. Theirs was a home filled with love, laughter, support, and caring. I was able to witness what a loving marriage looks like, as well as what unconditional love for your children looks like. They had me in their home often. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave thought of me as their fifth Beatle. Sometimes the memories that stick out are ones that don't seem as significant. Like sitting around chatting and drinking Y-Vonna's super-sweetened iced tea. But in fact, those tend to be the memories that are the most important because they are sincere and allow you to see a person as he or she truly is. Dave and Y-Vonna helped me move to Tennessee in 2000 when I decided to go to graduate school. Driving a U-Haul truck across the country is probably not the most fun thing a person could do, especially considering the state of the truck, spewing oil much of the way. But they did it and I am grateful. They were there when I needed them. My children are the kind with fur and four legs. Three of the four cats I've had have come through Y-Vonna's mom. For some reason I find this comforting. It's not exaclty a DNA connection, but it's meaningful to me. Kind of weird maybe, but meaningful nonetheless. So, when I think of Y-Vonna, I think of a woman with a strong faith. Even before her illness, she had a strong faith. It's not like she became ill and suddenly developed it. I've always seen it and it has helped me to establish a faith of my own. She was a good role model for me on Christian living. You couldn't help but see a joy for living just oozing out of Y-Vonna. It was there in the twinkle in her eyes, the smile on her face, in her voice singing hymns to God, and in her arms when she hugged you. She had an optimism and love of life that you don't see in just everybody. It's not unique to Y-Vonna, of course. Other people have it too in varying degrees. But it was one of the t"

"Y-Vonna She was a sister, daughter, wife, and a mother.A teacher, a friend, a Christian and Ohhh soo many others.A person with the discipline and the drive to be........The kind of person that we all should be. Blonde tresses and pretty little sun dresses, The light of her Daddy's eyeNever giving up, regardless of the odds,Or how cloudy the darkening skies. A claw hammer, a sleeping brother, Johnny and a clout on his headHer distinct little voice declaring "Now LEAVE ME ALONE!"Her shy smile, her infectious grin, the soft words spokenIn kindness to the end. Her knight in shining armor, her main man Dave,She loved him so much....He has been so very brave,Katie, Ben and Clarissa, her charges to help raise, and.....The family that would see her through the very tough days. She was ALL business, this lady we knewFrom research papers to homework that was due.Teaching was her life from then till nowShe never tired of showing us the why's and the how. Her faith in God was not to be movedHer love in the Savior was always true.She knew in the end of the heavenly homeThat awaited on the other side where she would never be alone. "Don't cry for me," I know she would say,But prepare yourself for that final day.When we will gather on that far shoreTo live with our Savior for ever more Tom LeeJune 6, 2011 Y-Vonna always proofed my work, I'll miss you sis!"

"I only remember Y-Vonna as kid as we were growing up in the neighborhood. She was sweet and funny and VERY nice!!!!!It sounds like she grew up to be a beautiful and loving adult.I am so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful young lady. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.Becky Schulte Madsen"

"To Dave and family...I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our family if thinking and praying for God's loving embrace during this impossible time. --Bruce Norton"

"Ok, Like Julia -- I too am too wordy, so here is the last paragraph!Y-Vonna handled her trials with such grace and dignity. What an example!! From Y-Vonnas repeated emphasis on Phil 4:6 I have learned to take that verse much more to heart. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. In her paraphrase, That means that no matter what we are to be thankful! I couple that with my favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. No, I do not understand, but I am thankful! I am thankful that during the ugliness of cancer we renewed our closeness. I am thankful for e-mail, snail mail, telephones, cell-phones and airplanes that enabled us to reconnect and have many deep and heart-felt conversations which almost always included some laughter even though we were a thousand miles apart. I am thankful for the memories. I am thankful for Dave who so lovingly and tenderly cared for her through everything. I am so thankful for Y-Vonnas faith, for the assurance that she is in a beautiful home and at peace now. I am thankful for the many blessings from Y-Vonna."

"What an incredible person to have known! She was an amazing person and teacher. I remember how much fun she made my German class at BHS, and because of that, that class was always the highlight of my day. She made such a positive impact on me while she was at BHS, and while I only got to have her German class for one year before she moved to Georgia, I will never ever forget her and her kind, light-hearted, and loving spirit. She will be missed. May angels guide thee home."

"Y-VonnaOne of seven and the first girl to boot.Mom and Dad were ecstatic! She was quite a hoot!Loving and caring were her nature and oh what a smile!If someone needed help, she'd gladly go the extra mile.Her love for God and sharing his plan is something she did daily.It wasn't work, it was her choice and she did it gaily.She found her love and Dave's his name. He asked her to be his wife.What made her the happiest was being Dave's wife.She blessed Dave with 4 children. Her children brought her joy.Katie and Clarissa are her daughters and Daniel and Ben her boys.Daniel waits for her heaven and oh how sweet twill be.Her baby boy she gave so long ago she again will see.Many loved ones and friends await her for she was precious to all.You couldn't help but love her. She was Y-Vonna after all.She was my only sister, 7 years older and my best friend too.She's helped me through so many things and even let me wear her shoes.At times I was annoying and quite bratty I was told.But if someone hurt me she'd confront them, she could be so bold.When I lost my son she came to me and said. "I'll be here with you through it all just hold my hand and see."She never let me down, not once. She was always there for me.She's touched so many lives in this time she had on earth.If you could see them all it still wouldn't measure her worth.We celebrate her life as she's won her final fight.She's reached her goal, she ran the race & she fought with all her might. Donalda Eveleigh"

"Y-Vonna was one of the sweetest friends I have had. I always liked standing by her when we sang with the Eastwood singers because she had such a beautiful sweet voice. I remember going to Taco Bell every Sunday night after church with the Krekels and the Marshalls. We always had so much fun, lots of laughter. I am going to miss her, but I know she is in good hands and not suffering any more. Dave, you are such a blessing. You have been so good to her not only during her illness but through out your entire marriage. You could just see in your eyes how much you loved her. Katie, Ben and Clarissa you have such wonderful memories to hang on to and I know they will shine through you the older you get. Love you all so much.Mary Hildebrand"

"[Did I get cut off? Probably too long-winded like usual. Here's the rest anyway :) "