Delbert “Del” Joseph Placek went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 16, 2020, after battling cancer. Del was born near Swanton on April 28, 1934, to Joseph and Alice (Belohlavy) Placek. He was a graduate of Wilber High School and also served in the Navy.
He married Elleene “Ellie” Duba on June 14, 1959. They moved to Fairbury for three months where Del worked in heavy construction. Then they moved to Eugene, Oregon, where Del worked at a sawmill and did tree planting in the forests for a few months. In February 1960, he began working at Rear’s Manufacturing and worked there until his retirement in 1997.
Del loved the outdoors—fishing, hunting, working in the yard. He even did some beautiful woodworking. He often helped others and served as part of Neighborhood Watch and other committees in their retirement community. Prior to living in this community, Del and Ellie lived on a two-acre parcel in Elmira, Oregon, and Del loved working outdoors and maintaining it.
Del is survived by his loving wife of 61+ years, Ellie; daughter, Tami Dee Placek Procopio (Joe); son, Darren Todd Placek (Rhonda); four grandchildren, Lucas Procopio, Heath Placek (Kristin), Evan Placek (Lauren), and Christopher Placek; four great-grandchildren, Judah, Sawyer, Chloe and Maverick Placek; and three surviving brothers, Gene (Mary Anne), Rol (Jean) and Don (Janet). Four brothers preceded him in death, Gary, Jim, Marv and Rol’s twin.
Because of Covid-19, the family will hold a graveside service at a later date which will be announced beforehand. Condolences may be left for the family at Musgroves.com.
