OBITUARY: MARY KATHLEEN (KENNEY) HAARBERG MAY 16, 1926 - DEC. 6, 2024

Mary Kathleen (Kenney) Haarberg was born in McCook, NE. on May 16th, 1926, slowly closed her eyes and peacefully passed away surrounded by family on December 6th, 2024, at an assisted living center in Dallas, TX. at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her mother Ethel, father William Kenney, brother Bob Kenney, and her husband Victor. She is survived by her children Cathy (Jack) Kelcher, Dallas, TX. Brenda (Ron) Pfeiffer, Portland, OR., and son Jon (Reita) Haarberg, Grand Island, Nebraska. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren Eric (Christina), Dirk, and Mark (Alex) Kelcher, all of Dallas, TX, Aaron (Carrie), and Gretchen (John) Pfeiffer, Portland OR., and granddaughters Jennifer Peterson, Cambridge, NE, Sarah Bird, McCook, NE, and Emily Sofia, Philadelphia, PA, plus 20 Great Grandchildren who fondly referred to her by the Germanic moniker of OMA.

She and her brother Bob rode their pony, Suzy, to a small country school. Kathleen later attended Wauneta, NE. high school where she met, fell in love with, and ultimately married Victor Haarberg.

In addition to raising her three children, Kathleen raised chickens, gardened and became an accomplished seamstress making "Cabbage Patch" dolls, quilts, Christmas stockings and photo albums for her grandchildren.

Kathleen was active within her church and became president of the local chapter of the Seward Concordia Teachers College Guild when daughter Brenda was attending school there. She always welcomed everyone to her home, frequently entertained (Kathleen was a terrific cook), and regularly hosted Bridge parties.

In 1960 Kathleen went to college and after earning her teaching certificate she began teaching in a 2-room country school. Upon retirement from that career, she and a friend created a specialty candy business which evolved into a full-fledged certified kitchen where they also made runza's (a bread dough pocket filled with ground beef and sauerkraut), which were sold to restaurants and bars in western Nebraska. Her crunchy pecan brittle and Pfeffernuesse (pepper nuts), were often lovingly created and given to family, friends, and neighbors.

After moving to Texas in 1999 she joined the Dallas Trekkers and actively engaged in 5 K and 10 K walking adventures throughout Texas and several surrounding states.

Kathleen remained independent and active until she broke her hip in 2020 which relegated her to a wheelchair and required her assisted living arrangements. Kathleen amazed even her ophthalmologist with her 20/20 vision and was a master at the art of selective hearing, which she could switch on or off at will. Being a very sociable person, Kathleen had many friends, continued to play cards, and as always would willingly express her personal opinion, even if disagreeing and in total opposition to her audience - that was Kathleen.

All who knew Kathleen will certainly miss her - and her engaging smile.

Funeral Mass: Jan. 11, 11:30 AM

St. Rita Catholic Church

12521 Inwood Rd

Dallas, TX. 75244

Interment Jan 11, 4:00PM

Messiah Lutheran Columbarium

1801 W. Plano Pkwy

Plano, TX 75075

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to please give to

St. Rita Catholic Church or Messiah Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.