Joseph Piska

Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph D. Piska will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Father Thomas Lux as Celebrant. A rosary will be recited at the church prior to the Mass at 9:30 a.m. At the conclusion of the service, military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army Military Honor Guard. Following the traditional funeral, cremation will take place and a private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Joseph Donald Piska, 83 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska, (formerly of Holdrege) passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society – St. John's Center in Kearney. Joseph was born April 24, 1934 at Holdrege, the fourth of six children born to Walter M. and Inez G. (Hays) Piska. He received his primary education from Rock Falls, and then graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1952. Following his education, Joe served his country in the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in June of 1956.

During Joe's time in the service, he was united in marriage to Verna Lee Butzin on September 17, 1954. To this union six children were born: Michaele, Cotty, Steven, Robert, Cheryl, and Jolee. The family made their home in Holdrege, where Joe was employed by the Burlington-Northern Railroad for 43 years. During these years, Joe also farmed south of Holdrege, and raised cattle and hogs.

Later in years, Joe met his future wife, Mary Kuck of Oxford, and they enjoyed twenty-eight years of companionship together.

Joe was a strong leader and teacher to his children. His strong faith was an example to all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Lavern Groger, and Kathleen Burns; and two brothers: James Piska, and Jay Piska.

Joe leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Mary Piska of Kearney; six children: Micki Schultz and her husband, Bill of Orleans, Nebraska; Cotty Bruntz and her husband, Bryon of Holdrege; Steve Piska of Wichita, Kansas; Robert Piska and his wife, Cathy of Holdrege; Cheryl Huxoll and her husband, Mike of Hendley, Nebraska; and Jolee McClymont and her husband, Kirk of Las Vegas, Nevada; two step-children: Riley Kuck and his wife, Ludmila of Oxford; and Jerome Kuck of Blue Hill, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerome Piska and his wife, Kathy of Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Joe's honor, and kindly suggested to the All Saints Catholic Church.

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

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