1. Ron Jiriovsky
According to a close friend, Ron was out with a group of friends on Friday night, March 9, 1990. As it neared midnight, they decided to go out to get something to eat. Since Ron was fond of pork sandwiches, he talked his friends into waiting until after midnight, since it was Lent. After eating, they each went home. The next morning, when Ron did not report to work, his co-workers went to his home. There they found Ron. He had died during the night of a heart attack.
The following was taken from Ron’s obituary on the prayer card at his funeral:
Ron was a graduate of Radio Electronics Institute in Omaha and Milford Trade School. In the 10 years prior to his death, Ron had been a resident of Lincoln. He was a former employee of NPTV and KOLN-TV and was an employee of Meginnis Ford at the time of his passing. Before moving to Lincoln, Ron was very active in his hometown of Bee. He was a former member of the Bee Town Board and the Bee Church in Bee and was a board member of SECC—Milford Campus, the Dwight Legion, and the Naval Reserves.
Ron was a member of the Policky Trio Band. Fond memories of Ron include his singing, playing in the band, and dancing till dawn. He lived and enjoyed every day of life to its fullest and was well known and loved. Ron was the first member of the Aquinas High School Class of 1968 to pass away.
2. Bob Palensky
On Thursday, June 25, 1998, Bob Palensky was riding in a car driven by his son as they were returning home from getting his son’s learner’s permit. Just north of Wilber, Nebraska the car slipped off the side of the highway, lost control and veered into the path of an oncoming car. Bob and his son were taken to the Crete hospital. His son was released the next day, but Bob was flown to Lincoln where he underwent surgery. The following day a brain scan determined that Bob’s brain stem had been irreparably damaged and we was taken off life support in the evening. A few hours later at 11:45 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 1998, bob died—just 15 minutes short of his 23rd wedding anniversary.
Bob’s funeral was held at Heckman Auditorium on the Doane College Campus in Crete, Nebraska on Tuesday, June 10, 1998. Over 1200 people of all ages were in attendance—an indication of how many lives Bob touched. A beautiful service honored his life and paid tribute to a man who always had time to help others. If you hadn’t met Bob in a number of years or had a chance to see him work, you really missed out. He never forgot a name and always had a smile. He will be remembered as a talented musician but his greatest talent was caring for and taking time for others.
Bob left behind his wife, Kathy, and two sons, Justin 15 and Jeremy 11. They lived in Crete Nebraska.
3. Gary Alt
Gary Alt was one of the highlights of our 30th class reunion in 1998. Gary had been fighting cancer in his liver for some time, but it was in remission in July of 1998. We all had a good time as “Bruiser” flashed his patented grin throughout the evening. It was good to see Gary and to reminisce with him again.
In the fall of 1998, Gary’s cancer again attacked his liver. This time there were no more new treatments to try. With the help of his parish priest, Gary prepared for the end. On December 10, 1998, with Judy, Ryan, and Kelly by his side, Gary passed away. Many classmates and friends attended Gary’s rosary service or funeral or both. After the funeral as his casket was being taken from the church, the organ began playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Gary would have loved it! Gary was buried at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetary, York, Nebraska.
Gary left behind his wife of 27 years, Judy, one son, Ryan, and his daughter, Kelly. There really is no need to expound on Gary’s attributes. If you were a member of the Aquinas Class of 1968, you knew Gary.
4. Barb (Hilger) Bindenagle
The following information was forwarded through the kindness of Carmie (Bartunek) Kimminau. She gathered it at the time of Barb’s death.
Barbara Jean Hilger Bindenagel was born on June 9, 1950 in David City, NE. She was the 4th child of 10 born to Alfred & Dorothy Hilger. Barb graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968 and worked as a telephone operator in Lincoln, NE. She moved back to David City where she worked for a number of years at the First National Bank. She also held other part-time positions as well as helping her father in his construction business doing contracts and wood finishing. Barb moved to Columbus, NE where she worked for 3 years at Middle State Manufacturing until her son, Sean, was born. She and Sean moved to Grand Island where she was the office manager for Cornhusker Popcorn Co. for 4 years. It was here she met her husband, Leon Bindenagel. After their marriage, Barb worked as Leon’s office manager & bookkeeper until they retired. However, Barb’s favorite job/hobby was raising reindeer for 11 years on their farm in Dannebrog. Barb also wrote articles for different wildlife magazines about raising reindeer and was featured on America’s Favorite Pets. Barb & Leon retired to Mountain Home, AR in 2006. Leon passed away in 2008. Barb fought cancer courageously for 3 years before passing away on December 17 surrounded by her family.
Barb is survived by her son and spouse, Sean & Becky Kopecky and granddaughter Taylor; siblings and spouses, Ron & Marlene Hilger, Colleen Hilger, Sandy & Stacy Michaels, Tim & Patty Hilger, Tom & Diane Hilger, Alfred ‘Shorty’ Jr. & Cindy Hilger, Kenny & Jackie Hilger, Laurie & John McCawley, Jeanne & Don Karpisek and many Nieces & Nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents & husband.
5. Janet (Matulka) Miller
Below is information gathered from the March 2011 issue of the “Aquinas Alumni News”:
Janet Marie (Matulka) Miller, 60, of Azle, Texas, formerly of Butler County, died Thursday, October 28, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. Services were November 1 at Faith Harbor Church at Lake Worth, Texas. Mrs. Miller was born August 15, 1950, in David City to Joe B. and Ann (Plasek) Matulka. She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968, attended Kearney State College and graduated from Southeast Community College with an associate degree in medical assisting. She married Lee Miller and was a homemaker. She lived in Lincoln, Edmond, Oklahoma, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Grand Junction, Colorado. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, church activities and baking. Survivors include her husband; 3 sons and daughter-in-law, five brothers and sisters-in-law, four grandchildren, and her mother. She was preceded in death by her father.
6. Larry Prochaska
Larry joined us for the 40 year reunion in 2008. Little did we know that that would be the last time many of us would see Larry.
Below is information gathered from the March 2011 issue of the “Aquinas Alumni News”:
Larry was born on February 3, 1950 in David City, Nebraska to Albin and Lorrain (Polacek) Prochaska. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968. On November 13, 1971, Larry was united in marriage to Janet Baack at our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Staplehurst, Nebraska. They farmed near Staplehurst until his death on January 9, 2011 at the age of 60. Larry had a love for old IHC tractors and old cars, he enjoyed restoring tractors and going to tractor shows. He is survived by his wife, Janet Prochaska; two sons, one daughter, four grandchildren, sister Leanne (Gene) Gehle; brothers Ronald (Julie) Prochaska, and Todd (Vickie) Prochaska all of Seward, Nebraska; mother-in-law, Leora Baack of Seward, Nebraska. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Prochaska; sister, Sherry Prochaska; father-in-law, Clarence Baack.
7. Mike Hiller
According to Mike’s brother, Chuck, Mike had surgery on his lung and was doing fine in the hospital. Unfortunately, a blood clot suddenly hit and took Mike.
Below is information gathered from the March 2011 issue of the “Aquinas Alumni News”:
Michael A. Hiller, 62, of Leavenworth, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Michael was born on July 24, 1949 to Anthony and Elizabeth (Michael) Hiller in David City. He graduated from Aquinas High school in 1968. Following graduation he entered the US Navy where he served his country for 21 years. Michael is survived by his special friend Cathy Hebden, Belleville, Illinois, brother Chuck (Diane) Hiller of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters: Connie (Phil) Koerin of Leavenworth, Kansas, Kate (Bill) Shoemaker of Yankton, South Dakota, Jeanne (Ken) Blaalid of Mitchell, South Dakota, Beth (Ken) Svoboda of St. Paul, Nebraska, Peg Hiller and special friend John Hollmann of Mitchell, South Dakota, Lori (Ron) Meusch of Bellwood, Nebraska, Janet (Ben) Delgado of Eudora, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and niece.
8. Larry Vanis
According to his very close friend, Larry Sabata, Larry Vanis died of a fluid buildup in his lungs which resulted in a lack of oxygen. Below is information found in the Omaha World Herald:
Larry G. Vanis, age 64, David City, NE. Died Monday, February 24, 2014 at Immanuel Health Center in Omaha. Larry is survived by his wife Melvene (Sedlak) Vanis; daughter Jenni Vanis of Lincoln; son Jason (Katie) Vanis of Omaha; two grandchildren: Caleb and Madeline Vanis; mother Rose Vanis of Bellwood.
9. Ed Greguras
Eddie married 1969 Aquinas graduate Cathy Berglund in 1971. Eddie and Cathy ran a very respected flooring business: “Greguras’ Floor Service” in Seward, Nebraska. They worked together since 1981.
In the fall of 2014, Ed was diagnosed with a Stage IV brain tumor. Most of it was removed during an operation but it eventually came back. Many of us were able to see and visit with Ed during a Benefit in his honor in April of 2015. Unfortunately, six months later the cancer took Eddie.
Eddie and Cathy had two children: Stephanie Ek, who now resides in Wisconsin and Chad who teaches and lives in LaVista, Nebraska. They each have two children.
Ed loved his Catholic faith, he loved his family, he loved to fish, and he loved to laugh!
10. Bob Havlovic
Bob was married to Charlene Kadavy of Loma on June 28, 1975. Together they spent their married life living a few miles west of Brainard. While Charlene taught elementary school at East Butler, Bob was a soil conservation technician and did a lot of work on terraces for farmers for 25+ years. Together they operated Holiday Pines Christmas tree farms. The couple was winding down operations at the time of Bob’s death.
Bob died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack in July of 2018. He laid down on the recliner while Charlene prepared supper and passed away there.
Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Charlene.
11. Mark Ingwersen
On January 18, 2019, Mark joined a growing list of those who have passed before us. Mark was able to join us at George’s Cabin for our 50th Reunion. It was good to see him then.
Mark Ingwersen, age 69, passed away Friday, January 18th at his home in David City surrounded by many of those who loved him the most. Mark fought his cancer, quietly without a complaint, for 18 months. His last hours on earth are best described by this part of a poem that he wrote himself. "The storm she starts to settle down, the waves are not so high and looking up for the very first time, I see a patch of sky."
Mark was born on October 25th 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska to William and Joan ( Mulick) Ingwersen. Mark attended school in Omaha before moving to Butler County where he attended school at Marietta and graduated from Aquinas in 1968. After graduation, Mark joined the U.S. Navy for a 4 year term during the Vietnam War. He Married Barbara Kopetzky March 7th, 1970. To this union 2 children were born, Desiree and Jesse. On November 17th, 1989 Mark married Jeanne Humlicek. Together they formed the perfect family of "his", "hers" and "ours" adding Dusty, Drew and Joe. Mark worked several places over the years but the 3 that most defined him are Ernst Auto Center, Western Drive Inn and for the American Red Cross.
Fishing for Master Anglers, Fireworks, Hunting, Motorcycles, landcruisers, driving through storms, playing his piano, singing, campfires, the river, birds and flowers all brought joy to him but nothing brought him more joy than his family and friends.
12. Mike Schlentz
Mike suffered a stroke/aneurysm around 1978 just before our 10 year class reunion. The stroke damaged part of his brain and left him partially paralyzed on his left side and he was never the same. He had lived in Minnesota in and around Red Wing and passed away at Mission Nursing Home in Plymouth, Minnesota. He was under a guardian's care because he was unable to care for himself. Mike has been cremated and will return to David City. He will be buried next to his Dad.
13. Pat Schlentz
Pat died of a brain aneurysm on September 20, 2021. Little more is known about his passing at this time. Any further information would be appreciated.
14. Steve Plasek
Steve died on July 16, 2023 of congestive heart failure. He was born March 15, 1950, in David City to Joseph F. and Emily (Rolenc) Plasek. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968. On September 19, 1970, he married Julie Swantek at St. Rose of Lima Church in Genoa. To this union five children were born. They lived in Columbus from 1970-1972 and moved back to David City to help on the family farm. Steve worked in maintenance for Lincoln Telephone for several years and continued farming as well. He raised and was very proud of his cattle. He put much effort into the genetics of his herd. Steve had a rare kidney disease and was on dialysis for seven months until receiving a life-giving kidney from his sister Cheryl inJune of 1992, at the Mayo Clinic. He was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed cattle and farming, time in the garden, playing cards (especially Taroks) and watching old westerns--John Wayne "the duke", most of all, hunting and fishing as well. Late in life he spent much of his time with Julie, going to events such as the local duck dinners and traveling. Together they especially enjoyed time with the family and attending all the activities of the grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Julie Plasek and their children; Kevin (Colleen) Plasek of Papillion, Victoria (Richard) Hain of David Cty, Cynthia (Ryan) Stara of Lincoln, Steven F. Plasek and his significant other Victoria of Lincoln, Laura (Shaun) Warriner of Bruno and 15 grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters Katherine (Dean) Wesch of Cedar Bluffs, Cheryl Plasek and Margaret Plasek, both of David City, brothers Jerome (Deb) Plasek of Lincoln, Timothy Plasek of David City, nieces,nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joe G. Plasek.
15. Leo Birkel (June 10, 1949-July 29, 2023)
Leo was a brother to our classmate, Pat Birkel Kerwin. He suffered polio as a child and the disease plagued him throughout life.
Leo Glenn Birkel, of Seward, was born on June 10, 1949 to Thomas and Betty (Martin) Birkel in David City, Nebraska. He graduated from David City Aquinas Catholic High School in 1968. On October 5, 1970 Leo was united in marriage to Betty Garhart in York, Nebraska. Leo was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and he also umpired. In his free time, he enjoyed watching sports. He especially liked being outside gardening, listening to birds and watching squirrels. Leo passed away on July 29, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his wife, Betty Birkel of Seward, Nebraska; children, Bonnie (Doug) Luethke of Milford, Nebraska, Mike (Bobbie Jo) Birkel of Garland, Nebraska, Joshua Birkel of Seward, Nebraska; grandchildren, Joey and Emily Birkel, Racquel Luethke, Alex Birkel, Chase Birkel, Dustin Luethke, Caine Birkel, Leo Birkel Bailey and Alando Birkel; great grandchildren, James and Liam Birkel and baby girl Birkel expected in October; siblings, Pat (Kerwin) Brown of Metamora, Illinois, Don Birkel of Rising City, Nebraska, Marty (Susan) Birkel of Bellwood, Nebraska, Deb (Jim) Litchfield of Wakefield, Nebraska, Sandy (Terry) Litchfield of Colorado, Bob (Teresa) Birkel of Dwight, Nebraska. Leo was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Birkel; parents, Tom and Betty Birkel; siblings, Virginia Birkel and Steve Birkel.
16. Stanley (Bud) Karel (January 23, 1950-August 17, 2023)
Stan's wife, Nancy, was killed in a car accident on December 11, 2017. Bud never really got over losing her. His health began to fail shortly after. In mid-August he was hospitalized with pneumonia and suffered a stroke. On August 17, 2023 he was with Nancy again.
Bud's obituary read as follows:
Stanley was born on January 23, 1950 to Stanley and Anna Karel (Kucera) in Jerome, Idaho. He graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School in David City, Nebraska in 1968. On May 16, 1970, he married Nancy A. Komenda at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard, Nebraska. Three children were born to this union.
He was a member of St. Vitus Catholic Church in Touhy, Nebraska and the St. Vitus Choir. Stanley worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads in Lincoln, Nebraska for 50 years.
Stanley is survived by: mother-in-law, Eleanor “Glee” Komenda of Brainard; son: Michael (Lisa) Karel of Seward; daughters: Rebecca McKelvey of Valparaiso and Jody (Jon) Hartmann of Colorado; brothers-in-law: John Holsan of Colorado and Randy (Bev) Komenda of Lincoln; sisters-in-law: Connie (John) Makovicka of Ulysses and Jan (Marvin) Bohac of Valparaiso; eight grandchildren: Reid, Regan, Claire and Caden Karel, Madison, Grant, and Chase McKelvey and Austin Hartmann; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: parents: Stanley and Anna Karel; father-in-law: Theodore Komenda; wife: Nancy (Komenda) Karel; sons-in-law: Timothy Nordmeyer and Matthew McKelvey; brother: Jerry Karel; sisters: Anna Holsan, Barb (Clarence) Greguras, and Carol Karel; nieces: Jeannie Greguras and Deborah Krause.
17. Robert (Bob) Schindler (March 25, 1950-November 10, 2023)
Bob was lost to us for a number of years without a trace of his whereabouts. He finally showed up when his obituary appeared in the Columbus Telegram.
Mike Adamy said this about Bob, "I have tried many times to find Bob with no success. What a shame to have missed him. When I lived in southern California he and I played golf every weekend. He gave to Aquinas as he said they were the only place that helped him. He also did taxes for the deaf for free as he was losing his hearing as well. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen."
Bob's obituary is listed below:
Robert A. Schindler, 73, of Sparks, NV passed away Friday, November 10, 2023 at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024 at Ss John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona, IA. A Committal Service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery on February 16, 2024 at 12:00 P.M., in David City, NE.
Robert "Bob" was born on March 25, 1950 to Edmond and Patricia (Emerson) Schindler in Nebraska. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968. Bob later on went to college and obtained his bachelor's degree in accounting. Bob enjoyed all kinds of sports including baseball, track and field, football, and basketball. You could always find Bob playing Golf. He served as secretary treasurer for his golf association. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.
Bob is survived by his two sisters, Barbara (Lonnie) Majerus of Altoona, IA, Patricia Schindler, near Lincoln, NE, nieces and nephews; Kristen (AJ) Kruschke of Eden Prairie, MN, Jenna Majerus of Johnston, IA, and Stephen (Brianna) Majerus of Bondurant, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Patricia Schindler, and grandmother, Evelyn Emerson.
18. Rodney (Sod) Rech (March 25, 1950-February 7, 2024)
Sod was the 18th member of the Class of 1968 leaving 79 survivors. Many of those outside of the David City area had not seen him since graduation, but he was active and well-known in the David City Area.
Sod was born March 25, 1950 in David City to Elmer and DeLores (Jean Kuhl) Rech. He attended Aquinas High School and graduated in 1968. On August 7, 1993, he married Sandy Schmit and opened his heart to daughters Rebecca and Laura. Sod worked for the City of David City August 1973 - March 2018 and enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, car racing and spending time with family and friends.
Sod is survived by his wife Sandy of David City; daughters Rebecca (Brad) Johnson of Blue Hill and Laura (Travis) Runquist of Omaha; grandchildren Remmington and Corbin Johnson; brother Randy (Lori) Rech; sister Judy (Ron) Pollak; brothers and sisters-in-law Jan (Galen) Bock of Bellwood, Barb (Dan) Petrik of David City, Nick (Cheryl) Schmit of Bellwood, Vicki (Jerry) Johnson Tuscon, AZ, Joe Schmit of Bellwood and Jackie (Pat) Hoeft of David City; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and step-father.
19. Gerald Kosch (September 17, 1950-March 5, 2024)
Gerald (Jerry) Kosch, 73, passed away on March 5, 2024. Many of us had not seen Jerry for a number of years, but one person who saw him regularly was Larry Sabata. Here is Larry's comment about him: "I would see Jerry two or three times a week. He was a true politician in his own way. He was a strict constitutionalist. He very seldom missed a VFW meeting. I will miss his Witt and humor."
Jerry was born on the anniversary of Constitution Day September 17. He was a firm advocate of the Constitution and our country. On April 26, Jerry would have celebrated 50 years since his honorable discharge from the Navy. While in the Navy, Jerry served on the USS Hancock. Through his time in active duty, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the 1st Good Conduct Award. Jerry was grateful to be one of the Vietnam Era Veterans to take part in the Nebraska Vietnam Flight to Washington DC to visit the Vietnam Memorial.
A lifelong resident of David City, Jerry enjoyed reading, music and telling jokes and riddles. He enjoyed spending time with family.
He is survived by his brother Ken (Renee) Kosch, sisters Mary Beth Ekeler from Lincoln and Vicki Manion from Kearney, neices Robin Kosch, Nicole Kosch and Liz Ekeler. 4 nephews Jeremy Ekeler, Ryan Kosch, Shawn and Terry Manion and 5 great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by parents Arthur and Elizabeth (Aerts) Kosch and brother Tom.
20. Ronald Hoffbauer (November 14, 1949-April 14, 2024)
Details on Ron's passing are still unavailable. Please let me know if you have more information.
21. Wilma Hrnicek (May 15,1950-May 24, 2024)
Wilma was born on March 15, 1950, at Lincoln, daughter of James and Lillian (Dolezal) Hrnicek. Wilma was raised on a farm by Staplehurst, NE. as the oldest of 7 children, she had led the way as the first to do most things, she attended country school until 3rd grade, then Staplehurst Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968. She attended Kearney State College and became a grade school teacher. She taught in country schools first in the Loup City area, Butler County and finished her teaching career in Holt County. While in Holt County, Wilma was active in TOPs and the Catholic Church, teaching CCD. She moved to Grand Island, where she worked in daycare at Saint Francis Hospital until she retired. She was also an active member at St. Leo's Catholic Church, singing in the choir, helping prepare and serve funeral dinners, and making many cookies for Red Cross Blood Drives. She was involved in TOPs serving as President of her chapter several times.
While teaching school, she would spend summers being a nanny for her sister's three children. Later she helped lend a hand to help out with her sister's grandkids. She ran a strict household, but also took them to their activities, the swimming pool, and made sure the grandkids were able to participate in Stuhr Museum summer programs.
Wilma was a Master Gardener and helped with County and State Fair Activities. She grew a wonderful vegetable garden and many beautiful flowers every year.
She is survived by her siblings: Marie (Lee) Elliott of Sioux City, IA, Marjorie Jones of Grand Island, Irene Hrnicek of Grand Island, James A. Hrnicek of Staplehurst, NE, Alice (Scott) Maddox of Rock City, IL and Robert (Cathy) Hrnicek of Seward, NE; numerous nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law, Michael Jones and sister-in-law, Linda Hrnicek.
22. Connie Patocka Gaskill (August 18, 1950-June 9, 2024)
Connie was born on August 18, 1950 in David City, Nebraska to Mamie and Otto Patocka. She was a graduate of Aquinas High School in 1968.
Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing games, and watching her favorite soap opera Young and Restless.
Survivors include her husband Larry Gaskill of Lincoln, Nebraska, son Brian Gaskill and children Ella Kathleen Gaskill and Julian Gaskill, son and daughter in law Craig Gaskill and Cathy Harrington of Omaha, Nebraska, and Adam Gaskill of Lincoln.
Survivors also include her sister in law Delores Patocka (Ron’s wife) of Norfolk, Nebraska, Linda Patocka (Lloyd’s wife) of Columbus, Nebraska, her brother Paul Patocka and sister in law Deb Lassek of Columbus, Nebraska, Karen (Patocka) Hoffman of Omaha, Nebraska, and many many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Connie was proceeded in death by her brothers Duane Patocka of Pennsylvania, Ron Patocka of Norfolk, Nebraska, Lloyd Patocka of Columbus, Nebraska, Gary Patocka of Omaha, Nebraska, Rick Patocka of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Danny Patocka of Omaha, Nebraska, and her sister Janis (Patocka) Staggs of David City, Nebraska.
23. Russ Hilger (August 22, 1950-January 17, 2025)
He recalled meeting the future love of his life as a child, when he laid eyes on a cute, blond four-year-old hiding behind her mother's skirt. A mere 10 years later, in high school, he asked her out. Russ and Shirley (Cemper) Hilger married in 1968. Russ spent his life working and raising four boys and four girls alongside her.
Russ's first job was at Henningson Foods in David City. From there he worked at the Schuyler Pack where he learned all things butchering...knowledge that he shared with family and friends while working together to fill freezers. Later, he joined his Dad and brothers in the Hilger Farms operation, and he enjoyed many years farming around David City, O'Neill, and Johnstown, Nebraska.
Russ was so proud of his kids, 23 grandkids and 10 great-grandkids. He loved to hunt, to fish, and to teach/share those experiences. He was known for his teasing, antics, and jokes, but would do anything for anyone. If there was a field fire, he'd have his tractor there to disc before the call had been made. If there was a fundraiser needed, he was ready to cook, play basketball, or volunteer in any way he could. The family table was always open to anyone that cared to join.
He is survived by eight children: Ronna (Jerry) Simon, Deni (Scott) Krueger, Jesse (Nicole) Hilger, Shilo (Bonnie) Hilger, Colter (Sasha) Hilger, Ashley (Riley) Mullen, Tyler (Rachel) Hilger, and Norah (James) Sadowski. His grandchildren: Kasey Peters (Trevis Carmichael), Nicki (Nick) Thompson, Fiain Fen Uir, Cade Krueger, Tristan (Hannah) Hilger, Jaren Hilger (friend Heather Knorr), Tatum Hilger (fiancé Jarren Wlaschin), Laurel Hilger, Spencer Hilger, Violet Hilger, Wilson Hilger, Bergan Hilger, Bailey Hilger, Grayden Hilger, Delaney Mullen, Camden Mullen, Mary-Noelle Crum, Weston Mullen, Addysen Hilger, Zooey Hilger, Margaret Hilger, Bruce Hilger. His great-grandchildren: Cammerin, Caleb, Caden, Madelyn, Jack, Ellie, Amber, Raelyn, Scarlet, Karson. His brothers: Marv (Diane) Hilger, Vic (Fran) Hilger. His in-laws: Sharon Hilger, Jim Miratsky, Ron (Millie) Cemper, Don Cemper, Kenny (Becky) Cemper, Rick Cemper, Vic Cemper; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law as well as: granddaughter Lindsey Anne Hoyt; siblings: Duane (Ellie) Hilger, Pam Miratsky, Norm Hilger, Patti Ann Hilger; in-laws: LaVena (Art) Ratkovec, Art (Ardie) Cemper, Chuck Cemper, Vern Cemper, Glenn Cemper, and sister-in-law Kathy Cemper.
--Taken from Russ’ obituary.