Robert Karel Znamenacek, 88, of Wilber, passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society, Beatrice.
Robert was born May 14, 1935, to Karel and Millie (Penkava) Znamenacek on the family farm near Crete. He attended District 3 Country School and graduated from Crete High School in 1954. After graduation, he worked as an auto mechanic in Wilber. He was a good mechanic and could fix anything he put his mind to. He also served in the Nebraska National Guard for several years.
He married Shirley Jean Kotas in December, 1956. To this union were born three children, Denise, Dayle and Delorie. In 1957, he got into farming and kept doing mechanic work on the side. He was a member of the Wilber Sportsman Club and Farmer’s Union. He enjoyed Wilber Czech Days and loved polka music. He looked forward to Czech Days every year and loved to attend many of the polka dances in the surrounding area over the years.
Robert also enjoyed pulling floats with his red, white and blue Dodge pickup through various area parades to promote Wilber Czech Days. He was a Nebraska Czechs of Wilber Knights of Blanik recipient in 2017.
He is survived by his three children, Denise Knuppel (Dale Robert) Fort Collins, Colorado; Dayle Znamenacek, Wilber;, and Delorie Kalivoda (Brad), Narka, Kansas; grandchildren, Kamden (Anjelica) McChesney, Arlington, and Travis Case, Fremont; two great-grandchildren, Lillian McChesney and Zander McChesney; brothers and sisters, Arlene Kerst of Omaha, Melvin (Carol) Znamenacek, Crete, Lorraine Rerucha and Eugene Znamenacek, all of Loveland, Colorado, Richard (Suzie) Znamenacek, Karel (Linda) Znamenacek, all of Lincoln, and Elaine (Marvin) Wheeler, Soldotna, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Luers; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Kerst and Larry Rerucha.
A Celebration of Life and burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.
