John J Vondracek, Sr

A Mass of Christian Burial for John Joseph Vondracek, Sr. will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Orleans, Nebraska, with Father Bernard Kimminau as Celebrant.

A visitation will start at 1:30 p.m. at the church, followed by the rosary being recited at 2:00 p.m.

Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Orleans, with Military Honors provided by the Orleans American Legion Post # 184 in conjunction with the United States Air Force Honors Team.

John Joseph Vondracek, Sr., 96 years of age, of Grand Island, Nebraska, formerly of Lincoln and Oxford, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at CHI Health – St. Francis in Grand Island. John was born in his parent’s home in Verdigre, Nebraska, on June 3, 1930, the fourth of five children, born to George J. and Mamie R. (Holan) Vondracek. John was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Verdigre and received all his sacraments all under the direction of Father Oborny. He attended Verdigre Public School, graduating with the class of 1947.

In 1952, John enlisted into the United States Air Force. While in the service, John and Rosalie were stationed in Victorville, California, Iceland, and Ogden, Utah. He was honorably discharged on August 28, 1956, and then served in the Reserves.

On April 3, 1953, John was united in marriage to Rosalie E. Burkhardt at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Verdigre. The couple were blessed with five children: Kathy, Susan, Debra, Barbara and John.

He pursued higher education from Wayne State College in from 1949-1953 and graduated in 1956 with teaching degrees in Music education and Industrial Arts education. John graduated from UNL with a Master of Education Degree and an Education Administration Specialist Degree in 1968. John taught Music and Industrial Arts in Battle Creek, Michigan; then Spencer Public School from 1959 to 1963. John was a public-school administrator for Arthur County High School from 1963 – 65; Lynch Public School from 1966-73; Oxford Public School from 1973-80; and then retired that following year in 1981. He served one more year as the Furnas County Rural Superintendent.

John then began a Real Estate Business in 1980 and Mini Storage Business in 1981. He built mini storage buildings, in Holdrege; Grand Island; Colby, KS; Aurora, NE; Schuyler, NE; Sioux City, NE; and Oxford.

He was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was spending time with the people he loved. Family was always at the center of his life, and he treasured the memories made together, whether gathered around the table, celebrating special occasions, or simply enjoying each other's company.

He had a true love for music, and few things brought him more happiness than a good polka music and a chance to dance. His enthusiasm for life, his love of laughter, and his ability to enjoy the simple pleasures made every gathering a little more special.

A successful businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit, he was always looking toward the future. His mind was constantly at work, thinking about the next innovative idea, project, or opportunity. He had a natural talent for seeing possibilities where others might not, and he took great pride in building, creating, and bringing his ideas to life.

Above all, he will be remembered for his devotion to family, his passion for life, his love of music and dancing, and his determination to always keep moving forward. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the business and ideas he built, and the countless memories shared with those fortunate enough to know and love him, including canoeing in the rivers, fishing at the family cabin in Minnesota, snowmobiling, playing ping pong, wood working and of course, flipping properties. He was always a gentleman and treated Rosalie as the Queen she is, through 73 years of marriage.

John was preceded in death by his parents: George and Mamie Vondracek; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Ida (Jana) and Andrew Burkhardt; a sister, Rosemary Voss; a brother, George Vondracek; brothers-in-law: William Rudloff, Gordon Burkhardt, Edwin “Buddy” Paulik, and Dale (June) Voss; sister-in-law: Virgina Vondracek, Marjorie Rudloff, and June Burkhardt; a grandson, Brett Biskup; and five great-grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Rosalie of Grand Island; his children: daughters, Kathy and husband, Ray Gibb of Kearney, Nebraska; Susan and husband, Kevin Biskup of rural Orleans; Debra and husband, John Gibson of Duncan, Oklahoma; and Barbara and husband, Jay Landell of Hastings, Nebraska; and a son, John Vondracek and wife, Katxalin of Lincoln; 16 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren: Blake (Brittney) Biskup and children: Linden, Tucker and Layne; Sally (Ryan) Lukas and children: Jackson (Kylie), Kalea, Beckham and Avery; Brandon Biskup and children: Bradley and Evelyn; Bryant (Haley) Biskup and children: Koen, Jensen, and Brycen; Nathan (Katrina) Fox and sons, Cameron and Jackson of Kearney; and Kylie (Michael) Wilken and children: Kyler and Michaela of Kearney; Tricia (John) Rudd and Children Emmabella, Evan, Ava and Addy of Sarasota, Florida; Adam (Heather) Gibson and Children Delaney, Halle, Cami of Gillette, Wyoming; Drew (Kelsee) Gibson and son, Tucker of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Sara (Michael) McElroy and their children Liam and Landon of St. Petersburg, Florida; Jamie (Joseph) Peterson of Lincoln; Ane de Anzola (Brock) Nutter and their children Ainara and Elena of Lincoln; and Ainoa de Anzola (William) Meier of Nebraska City, Nebraska; and Paige (Gavin) Raitt, and children: Bennett and Paisley of Hastings; Johnny (Lexi) Landell and children: Charlie and Jack of Lincoln; and Sydney (Ethan) Kerr and son, Johnathan of Omaha; a sister, Marguerite Pavlik of Verdigre; a brother, Joe Vondracek and wife, Marie of Verdigre; along with other relatives, and friends.

A memorial has been established in John’s honor to the family for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.