Mary Ellen Hlatko

Mary Ellen (Krekow) Hlatko was born February 21, 1937 in Bancroft Iowa to Edwin August and Marie E. (Wyatt) Krekow.  She passed away May 28, 2022, at 9:45p.m. in her home.

Mary Ellen graduated from Humeston High School, Humeston, IA, in 1955.  She attended Concordia Teachers College for two years transferring to Iowa State College in Ames, IA graduating with a major in Child Development.  Mary Ellen received a Master’s degree in Special Education from Indiana University.  

Mary Ellen taught school in St. Louis, MO and Evansville, IN. After moving to Terre Haute she taught Special Ed in several schools including: Glenwood, Otter Creek, Lost Creek, Meadows, Lang, Sarah Scott and South. She taught school for 30 years, January 1968 to June 1998.

 Mary Ellen was a member of Free Life Community Church.  She was also awarded a certificate of a Bronze Advanced Master Gardener on May 15th 2018.

Mary Ellen was preceded in-death by her husband, Gene Hlatko; her parents Edwin August and Marie E Krekow and her brother Edwin Krekow.

She is survived by a nephew, James Krekow; two nieces Katherine Krekow and Susan Krekow; her sister-in-law Barbara Krekow and many cousins.  Special friends include Jill Smith, Jeanette Borchert, Carol Cox, Nancy Gardner and Sarah Gastinau.  Hands that Serve employees, especially Mandy Hazen have given her loving care.  She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Teddy.

In lieu of flowers people are encouraged to donate to the Airport Vet Clinic, Master Gardeners or Free Life Community Church.  Cards may be sent to: The Krekow Family at 2938 Cheshire Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.  

 A grave side service will be held at Highland Lawn Cemetery in Terre Haute, IN on June 9, 2022, at 1:00p.m.  The family has entrusted Greiner Funeral Home with care and arrangements. 

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