Kathryn Marie Huff

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Kathryn Marie Huff, 77, of Lincoln, NE, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025. She was born on September 6, 1947, to Orvil and Evelyn (Zierenberg) Priefert.

Kathryn grew up on a small farm near Reynolds, NE, which instilled in her the hard work and determination that continued through the remainder of her life. She lost her father suddenly in 1963 and then moved to Fairbury, Ne. She graduated from Fairbury High school in 1965 and continued excelling in academics. She married Martin Huff in the summer of 1969. They had 2 children, Ami Huff & Andrew Huff all of Lincoln, ND.

Kathryn worked in the field of education all her life. She began her career as an English teacher at Fairbury High School. She then moved to Lincoln, NE, and attained additional degrees in special education, school psychology, and educational administration. She worked for Lincoln Public Schools as a teacher, school psychologist, and administrator. She was also principal at Osceola Public Schools and ESU 6. Following her first retirement in 2009 she returned to Lincoln Public Schools as a part time school psychologist until her second retirement in January 2020.

Kathryn was energetic, witty, hardworking and always had a smile that touched many. She loved helping children all through her work and life. She survived a brain tumor in 1990 that proved her strength, and determination to all of those around her. Kathryn was surrounded by and loved all types of animals in her life, especially her beloved alley cat. Kathy was a lifelong Husker fan that enjoyed going to all Nebraska athletic games with her friend Barry. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, playing golf and working in her yard. She was always there to give love and support to her family and friends. But most of all Kathryn loved to entertain, was a fabulous cook and was always an amazing host for all types of celebrations with many families and friends.

Survivors include son, Andrew Huff, daughter Ami Huff, and granddaughter Salora Huff, all of Lincoln, NE, brother Tom Priefert (Deanna), sister Mary Dowell (Wes), nieces and nephew.

Preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ronald Priefert.

A Celebration of life gathering will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday February 24, 2025, at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday February 25, 2025, at Southview Christian Church, 2040 S 22nd St, Lincoln, NE.

Memorials to Cedars Home for Children.

Condolences online at www.Roperandsons.com

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February 27, 2025

I was truly fortunate to serve in school administration with Kathy at Osceola Public Schools. Kathy served as the Elementary Principal, I was the principal at the middle and high school. We sat through many administrative meetings together and I was always amazed at her knowledge of how to reach students and teachers to bring out their best. She was professional, kind, goal-oriented and was a wealth of knowledge. I was new to my job, and she helped me in so many ways. We missed her greatly when she moved on from Osceola, but we were better off for her having shared a few years with us.

– John Benner

February 26, 2025

Kathy was my aunt and my mother’s only sister. I love the memories of them laughing, drinking wine, jumping on the trampoline with me as a child and playing golf. Kathy and I are so very similar in many ways and I will continue to live my life to the fullest for her. (And keep my nail polish in the fridge like she did.)

– Sarah Dowell (niece)

February 26, 2025

Kathy was a special person who I’ve been fortunate to know across 60+ years. We attended church youth group together in the 60’s, graduated from high school and attended college together and later on in life our paths would cross many times as we pursued our work in the field of education. Kathy was a sincere, kind person whose bubbly personality benefitted any persons who were privileged to know and work with her. Rest in peace, Kathy.

– Gene R. Johnson

February 25, 2025

Not only was Kathy a close Priefert cousin (there were 9 boys and 3 girls), but she was a close playmate, partner in the Reynolds Grade School/Fairbury High School systems and an overall friend. Living only a quarter of a mile apart on farms west of Reynolds, we often played together, rode the school bus together, went to Bible School together, played lots of ball games with cousins, enjoyed gatherings at Grandpa & Grandma Priefert’s house and held sleepovers when our parents went out to a dance etc. I especially remember 1964 when both of our fathers died of cancer and both families moved off the farms to Fairbury. It was comforting to have family during those growing up years. We met the challenge and succeeded, but those early years will always remain in my book of special memories.

– Vicki Priefert Grummert

February 25, 2025

Kathy and I go way back as high school classmates, reconnecting at high school reunions. Her lively spirit was infectious. About 5 years ago she reappeared at Pine Lake golf league and we shared many rounds of golf thereafter. During those rounds I was totally unaware of her hole in one. Rest in peace.

– Sharon Dexter

February 23, 2025

A tribute to Kathy Huff she was a dedicated daughter to Evelyn, loving mother to Ami and Andy, special grandmother to Salora who was her greatest joy, wife, sister to Tom and Mary and Ronnie, loving aunt, and dedicated cousin. As a principal, psychologist she impacted many people’s daily lives. I see that in many posts to her! Kathy always attended Family Reunions, pitched in when needed without any hesitation, hosted gatherings, communicated. I am proud to call Kathy Huff my caring, loving cousin and are forever grateful for all she did for me, my husband, Chuck and daughter, Sarah. Especially my parents Deane and Johnny Pierce who thought the world of Kathy!

– Jan Marie Pierce

February 23, 2025

Thinking of Kathy, brings happy memories of high school. She was truly a sweet light of joy. At our last class reunion, she still brought delight along with her beautiful smile. I’m grateful she was a part of my life. See you again, dear friend, in our next reunion.

– Connie Caratens

February 23, 2025

I first met Kathy when we worked together in Early Childhood Special Education. I enjoyed going to her home for work gatherings, as she welcomed everyone and put thoughtful effort into every detail. Little did I know that a few years later, Kathy would set me up on a blind date with her brother (and accompany us…. along with their mother). Being a true big sister, Kathy often gave stern advice to Tom when she didn’t approve of his choices. My husband Tom will tell you, “Kathy gave me my life and my wife”. For the last 30 years, we have gathered as a family (usually in her home) for birthdays and holidays. We traveled together to the mountains and other places to visit family and celebrate milestone family events. Kathy loved her family. She showered our girls with that love and they have many memories of time with aunt Kathy. We are blessed to know that Kathy also loved the Lord Jesus Christ and we rejoice knowing we will see her again some day. Until then Kathy, dance without pain and join in the most heavenly party!

– Deanna

February 22, 2025

Kathy was a lively, energetic woman. I appreciated her desire to gather people together, particularly to celebrate daughter’s Ami and Megan birthdays through their many years of friendship. I’ll remember the laughter –

– Cynthia Reed

February 22, 2025

I had the pleasure of getting to know Kathy when she worked for LPS on the child study team. She was delightful, dedicated to her craft and full of energy! Loved running into her in the neighborhood when she was on a walk, she always made me smile. Sincere condolences, she will be missed. ❤️

– Jenny Feeney

February 22, 2025

Kathy was a true big sister. She loved to ride her horse when we were little. She was always welcoming to me during our lives together. I will miss her brightness.

– Mary L Dowell

February 22, 2025

I worked with Kathy at Pound middle school. We had lots of lunch laughter together! She was so dedicated to helping kids…really helping, not just going through the motions! I had such fun going to her house for Yoga and then snacks after. She was a true people person. She delighted in delighting others! Sincere sympathy to her family who meant everything to her.