Harold Joe Salda, 86, died Feb. 7, 2023, surrounded by his family at Wilber Care Center. He was born Dec. 27, 1936, in Beatrice, the son of Lumir and Bertha (Duba) Salda.
Harry graduated from Wilber High School, with the Class of 1955. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Lewis in Joint Base Lewis McChord Washington. After his military service, he returned home to work with his father on the family farm, which was homesteaded by his ancestors in 1881. He farmed most of his adult life. He also enjoyed a variety of occupations throughout the years, including peach harvest in Utah, automobile assembly in Van Nuys, California, working with Johnson Brothers demolition, bartending, Farmland Industries, Walmart and his business, Czech Capitol Imports.
He married Karla Weichel on Oct. 27, 1995, on the family farm. He was well known and loved for his humor, kindness, generosity, creativity and patience. His family is grateful for him encouraging curiosity and sharing his knowledge to repair, build or grow anything. His hobbies included woodworking, wine making, stained glass, red work and creating up-cycled art. He had a deep love of land and nature, enjoying gardening, planting trees and tending a vineyard. He was proud of his Czech heritage and enjoyed volunteering during Czech Days. He was a free Mason and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He loved to travel, curious to find what was around the next corner and loved visiting national parks from coast to coast.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Irma, Gladys, Stella and Eleanor, and his twin brother, Norman, as well as his first wife, Anna Mae (Janecek).
He is survived by his wife, Karla; daughter, Susie and her husband Reyn of Manhattan, Kansas, along with their children, Kegan and his wife Mikelle of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and their children, Reese, Judah, and Hunter; Paige and her husband Trevor of Omaha, and their children, Nova and Jupiter; Blake and wife Jennifer of Wichita, Kansas, and their children, Tristen, Sarah and Shelby; daughter, Dawn and her children, Tyler and Aly of Westerly, Rhode Island; step-hildren, Preston and Brenda Gronemeyer of Plymouth, and their children, Bailey, Colton and Charlotte; Laci and Ryan Reinke of Lincoln, and their children, Wyatt, Rebecca and Harrison.
A ceremony of remembrance was Feb. 11. Memorial contributions will be designated at a later time. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
