Jerry Joseph Homolka, 83, passed away suddenly Nov. 24, 2024, in Lincoln.
He was born Dec. 9, 1940, in Saline County, the third child of Emil and Lottie (Kolman) Homolka. He attended country school at Spunky Hollow and graduated from Western High School. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling. That started with his life companion, Lois Strouf. They covered many miles from coast to coast before she passed in 1992. He continued to travel with other friends and family both near and far, from volksmarches at Crazy Horse to plane rides to Hawaii to see the Arizona Memorial. He was always ready for a road trip. He also enjoyed being a part of several saddle clubs and trail rides with his horses.
He worked for Alpo-Nestle in Crete for 40 years before retiring to his farm, where he continued to garden and take care of his cats. When he had a surplus of produce, he enjoyed sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Lottie Homolka; life companion, Lois Strouf; and her daughter, Kathy Strouf.
Survivors include three brothers, Leonard Homolka, Emil Homolka, Jr., and Verlin and Mary Homolka; one sister, Sally and Billy Hoffman; children of his life companion, who are Bob and Sabra Strouf, Tom and Joann Strouf, Deb Steuer and Lyle Williams, Chris and T-Bone Theye, and Cindy and Christopher Ackman; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
The funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Western Fire Department or to the Dvoracek Memorial Library. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
