Sylvia M. Kuklis

1930 - 2017

Sylvia M. Kuklis of Cozad passed away June 9, 2017 at Cozad Care Center at the age of 87.Sylvia Marie Kuklis of Cozad passed away June 9, 2017 at Cozad Care Center at the age of 87. Sylvia was born April 11, 1930 to August and Clara (Lukasiewicz) Nagorski in St. Paul, Nebraska. She attended country school to the eighth grade. Sylvia graduated from St. Paul High School with the class of 1947. She worked in the ASC Office in St. Paul, at the Phonograph Newspaper and Perry's Cafe, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Kuklis. They were married on August 16, 1947 in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. To this union, eight children were born. Sylvia worked at Tenneco Automotive for 28 years. She started on the assembly line and retired from the shipping office in 1995. Sylvia loved to dance, embroider, play cards, cook and bake. Family members called her the "Kolache Queen". She loved to go on bus tours. She was a people person and loved to give hugs. Sylvia belonged to the Altar Society, Red Hatters, Bingo Club and was a faithful and devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Sylvia loved hosting family gatherings and they always included her delicious Butterhorn Rolls and Kolaches. Sylvia loved nothing more than being a grandmother and enjoyed attending her grandchildrens activities. Family reunions to Fort Robinson in Crawford, Nebraska were always a highlight for Sylvia and the entire family! Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother in childhood; brother Cy Nagorski and sister LaVonne Scarborough; infant son, Kevin Thomas and daughter, Cecilia Marie Williams. Sylvia is survived by and will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 67 years, Joseph Kuklis of Cozad; children, Gerald Kuklis of Cozad, Michael Kuklis (Michael Daudier) of Santa Fe, NM, Ramona (Phillip) Griffith of Carbondale, CO, Dan (Janna) Kuklis of Grand Island, NE, LaDonna Barela (Russ Besmer) of Cozad, Jeff (Stacy) Kuklis of Milford, NE; grandchildren, Stace (Laura) Williams, Darcy (Dave) Pastian, Hilary (Tim) Myers, Damion (Stacy) Williams, Ceslie Kuklis, Joelie Kuklis, Caleb (Laura) Griffith, Claire (Justin) Erickson, Casey (Leah) Griffith, Allison Kuklis, Jon Kuklis, Isaac Barela, Morgan Kuklis, Carter Kuklis and Karlee Kuklis; great great grandchildren, Sean Justice, Brandon Williams, Sara Myers, Addie Myers, Davey Pastian, Matthew Pastian, Benjamin Griffith, Shay Erickson, Peri Erickson, Rilyn Griffith; great great great grandson, Darren Justice; son-in-law, Denny Williams; and many nieces, nephews and relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Great Plains Hospice or Alzheimer's Association.Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with Father Don O'Brien as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Cozad Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday from 1 to 8 with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 at Berryman Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Great Plains Hospice or Alzheimer's Association.