Barbara “Barb” Kay Jarecki, age 89, of Platte Center, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Meridian Gardens in Columbus, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Platte Center. Visitation is 2:00-4:00 p.m., followed by a 4:00 p.m. Vigil service Sunday, all occurring at the Church. Private family interment will be held at a later date in St. Patrick/Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Barb was born on April 20, 1937, in Silver Creek, Nebraska, to Donald and Grace (Stegar) Mustard. A proud graduate of Clarks High School (Class of 1955), Barb followed her passion for cosmetology, earning her degree from the Central City Beauty School in 1956. On September 27, 1958, she was united in marriage to Andrew Jarecki at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clarks. NE.

Andy and Barb made their home in Platte Center, Nebraska, where they raised their four sons. For 60 years, Barb owned and operated Barb’s Beauty Shop out of the basement of her home. She truly loved her craft—coloring, cutting, perming, and especially the friendly conversation that came with it.

This past year, she moved to Meridian Gardens, where she quickly became a beloved part of the community. She was known for her contagious laughter and her spirited nature, never afraid to voice her opinion.

Barb is survived by her four sons:

David (Pam) Jarecki – Juli and Jessica

Michael (Deb) Jarecki – Stephanie and Matt (special friend, Chelsy Meyo)

Kenneth Jarecki

Stephen (Jody) Jarecki – Brittany (Ross) Niedbalski, McKenzie (Jedd) Lehman, and Taylor (Kurt) Steffensmeier

Extended Family & Friends:

Great-Grandchildren: 3 great-granddaughters and 9 great-grandsons.

Sister: Marcia Anderson

Best Friend: Carolyn Peterson

Preceded in Death By

Husband: Andrew Jarecki

Parents: Donald and Grace Mustard

Siblings: Donald Mustard and Sharon Mustard