Joe Critchfield

Clever, nostalgic, strong and funny up to his final moments, Alan Joe Critchfield, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife Leona and kids in Omaha on Oct. 16, 2025.

Born in Smith Center, Kansas, Joe’s life dream was to have a big, close family. He achieved that, with a family so vast – in number and in heart – he joked it needed charts and graphs to explain. He built a sprawling, colorful legacy for himself. He was a proud Critchfield.

With his wife and kids holding his hands, Joe passed away at Hospice House knowing he was exalted and loved by his family. He was our rock.

Joe was a natural entrepreneur, a dogged salesman and an insurance whiz. By all accounts, he was a sharp dresser and was incredibly good looking. His presence echoed across Omaha and beyond, as he touched hundreds of lives through his innovative and progressive work in the funeral industry. Sporting around town with a license plate that said “PRE PLAN,” Joe dedicated much of his career to helping people fund and plan for their inevitable funerals with thought and care.

He worked harder than anyone and also knew how to relax with travel, card games, football, golf, Doritos, boating, movies and ice cream. Joe was a pool shark and taught his kids how to play to win. He hated exercise but loved to travel the world. He hated vegetables but loved to share fudgesicles and popcorn with his grandchildren. He didn’t like to read but loved studying the Huskers.

Joe loved going to the theater with his movie buddy and son, Jeff Critchfield. He’d drop anything to attend a kid’s dance recital, football game, tennis match or school play.

Like a stubborn champion, he endured tragedy, bad luck and obstacles over the decades. He fought seven cancers and survived a 50-foot fall from drive-in movie screen as a teenager.

Joe was never afraid to be his own person, doing things his way “or the highway,” even if he ruffled feathers with his honesty and directness. He was a bold, fearless man with a big heart. He was generous with his life and his stories.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Leona Critchfield. He had seven remarkable children: Carrie Critchfield Williams, Jody Critchfield Kieffer, Jack Critchfield, Jeff Critchfield, Brian Christenson and Corey Christenson. Their son Chris Christenson passed away far too young, in December, at age 54.

Joe’s sons- and daughters-in-law include Leah Critchfield, Bryan Black, Jenni Christenson and Danette Christenson.

Their 16 grandchildren include Aubree, Ford and Monroe Critchfield; Parker, Yates and Levi Williams; Hart and Breck Black; Kaitlyn (Mark) Herring, Sam (Ali) and Cassie Christenson; Mackenzie and Haley Christenson; and Isaac (Sarah), Simon (Sarah) and Daniel Christenson. They are new great-grandparents to Nora and Isla Herring.

Joe is also survived by his sister Sue Dehart of Wichita, Kansas, and her husband Ron, sister Christy (Alan) Helvajian and brother David (Heather) Villanueva and several dozen nieces and nephews knew him as "Uncle Joe."

Joe is preceded in death by his son Christopher Christenson, his mother and stepfather, Alice and Bill Villanueva, his father Jack Critchfield and his big sister Janice Vaghar.

Visitation: Wednesday (10/22/2025) from 5:00-7:00 PM at Good Shepherd Funeral Home - L Street Chapel. Funeral Service: Thursday (10/23/2025) at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, 4712 S 82nd Street, Omaha NE. Luncheon immediately following service at the Good Shepherd. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Omaha NE.

Please direct memorials to the family for later designation.