Vivienne Amack Owens Kudrna

Vivienne Amack Owens Kudrna

December 9, 1944 - November 5, 2025

Vivienne Amack Owens Kudrna was born on December 9, 1944, in Hastings, Nebraska -- the only blonde-haired, blue-eyed member of her 5 siblings. Though petite, Vivienne was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and full of spirit.

A graduate of Red Cloud High School (Class of 1963) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Class of 1967), Vivienne earned her degree in Physical Education and spent more than 33 years teaching and coaching junior high students in Nebraska, Georgia, and California. She retired from teaching in Elk Grove, California, leaving behind countless students whose lives she shaped with her determination and care.

Vivienne loved the outdoors and lived for adventure. She spent her happiest days hunting and fishing across the western U.S., Canada, and Alaska. Whether camping in the mountains or reeling in salmon on the Pacific, she approached nature with gratitude and respect -- taking only what it provided.

Outside of the classroom and the wilderness, Vivienne enjoyed dancing, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with her large extended family. She lived life fully -- with strength, conviction, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She adored her dogs, treasured time with family, and was known for her fierce independence. She was strong in her beliefs, and loyal to those she loved -- a woman whose spirit, determination, and unmistakable laugh will never be forgotten.

Vivienne first married her high school sweetheart, Roger Kudrna, in 1965. Life brought them full circle, and after reconnecting following the loss of their spouses, they remarried earlier this year.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Gertrude Amack; brothers Richard and Ron Amack; and sister Ginger Smith Shinn. She is survived by her husband Roger Kudrna, brothers Alan (Sharon) Amack of Mesa, AZ and Rex (Angela) Amack of Lincoln, NE, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Vivienne will be remembered for her strength, independence, and the fierce love she shared with those lucky enough to know her.

Services were 11:00 am on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Amazing Grace Ayegbayo officiating.
Interment was at the Red Cloud Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Hospital, The Wildhorse Federation or the Lincoln Capital City Society.

_____________________________

"Wild and Free"

She walked her own path, steady and sure,

Beneath open skies and stars that endured.

The wind and water knew her name --

Strong, fearless, wild, and free she came.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com