Krista (Bradley) Kester passed away on the evening of April 15th, 2024 at The Monarch in Lincoln, NE, surrounded by her loving family.

Krista was born on January 5, 1955 in Neligh, Nebraska, to John William and Donna Lee (Mettling) Bradley. She finished her senior year of high school while also attending her first year of college at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, returning to Nebraska to graduate from Neligh High School in 1973. Krista continued on to graduate with High Distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976, later returning to the University of Nebraska College of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor with High Distinction in 1990. In 1990 Krista also served on the Executive Board of the Nebraska Law Review as one of their Executive Editors.

Krista was an attorney at Woods Aitken Law Firm in Lincoln, NE. She joined the firm in 2000 and became a partner in 2004, remaining at Woods Aitken until she retired at the end of 2012. Prior to entering private practice, Krista served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Warren K. Urbom, United States District Court for the District of Nebraska, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law. In addition, Krista served on the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects from 2008 through 2018 where she served as Board Secretary and Vice-Chair, and was appointed by Governor Heineman as Chair of the Board for two terms. Krista was also a charter member and past president of the Eighth Circuit Bar Association.

Krista married her high-school sweetheart, Kerry, in 1974, and their family expanded over the ensuing years to include three wonderful sons. Kerry and Krista settled and remained in Lincoln until 2005 when they moved to a small farm in rural Otoe County, where Krista re-ignited her lifelong passion for equestrian adventures, ultimately joining the American Endurance Ride Conference in 2013, and logging over 2,500 competitive miles with "Chigger," her favorite Arabian. Krista and Chigger's last ride was March 16, 2024, where they placed 3rd in the competition.

Krista was also a competitive local runner in the 1980's, and was working towards the St. Louis Marathon in 1985 when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the diagnosis, she remained incredibly active, eventually discovering a new outlet in coaching youth soccer. From 1990-2021 Krista coached for Capital Soccer Association (CSA), and later Sporting Nebraska, FC, serving a number of terms on the board for CSA before their merger with Sporting in 2021. Over the course of her 30+ years of coaching, Krista mentored hundreds of players, ultimately becoming known as "Coach Grandma" during her last 5 years on the sidelines.

Krista's greatest legacy was her family, and their passionate and active work within local churches. She leaves a family anchored in faith and confident in the redemptive power of their Creator.

Krista is preceded in death by her parents, John William and Donna Lee (Mettling) Bradley, and brother, John Bradley.

Krista is survived by her husband, Kerry Kester; sons Bradley (April) Kester of Adams, NE, Jeremy (Brenda) Kester and Aaron (Vanessa) Kester of Lincoln, NE; her nine amazing grandchildren; and, her sister, Rachelle Bradley of Omaha, NE.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Capitol City Christian Church (located at 7800 Holdrege Street) in Lincoln, Nebraska. A light luncheon will follow the service. Flowers may be sent to the church the day prior to the funeral (all deliveries are to be brought into the church via the Northeast entrance).