David Walkowiak

GRAND ISLAND - David L. Walkowiak, 81, of Grand Island, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at St. Francis Medical Center.

Services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island with the Rev. Francis T. Curran officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. The United Veterans Honor Guard will provide military rites.

Visitation is today from 4-7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel, 3005 S. Locust Street in Grand Island, with a scripture wake service at 6:30 p.m.

David was born Nov. 28, 1926, at Wolbach, to Edward G. and Veronica C. (Zauha) Walkowiak.

David grew up in Scotia and graduated from Elba High School in 1944. He entered the Army on May 25, 1945, and served until his honorable discharge on Dec. 30, 1946. He returned to Spalding and farmed in the area. He married Mary Katherine Schaub on June 28, 1949, at O'Connor. They lived and farmed at Spalding until moving to Grand Island in 1956. Dave worked for Sears Farm Store before joining Gifford Hill Irrigation, retiring in 1986. In his retirement, Dave loved spending time with his grandchildren. He pursued his second love, helping his children remodel their homes and building furniture for them.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Survivors of the immediate family include his wife, Mary Walkowiak of Grand Island; four sons and daughters-in-law, David and Diane Walkowiak of Columbus, John and Joy of Grand Island, Robert and Deb of Grand Island, and Paul and Cindy of Grand Island; five daughters and three sons-in-law, Kathleen Clark of Malvern, Iowa, Rebecca Walkowiak of Lincoln, Joan and Rob Unruh of Weber, Kan., Janice and Jack Luth of Grand Island, and Susan and Jim Dieckgrafe of Cook; one sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Francis VanderMay of Long Valley, S.D.; grandchildren, Renee and Rachelle Walkowiak, Jacob, Janna and Jeri Walkowiak, Meagan and Tim Champion, Tyler Walkowiak, Kirsten and Michelle Unruh, Justin, Ryan and Emily Walkowiak, Lindsay Luth, and Kyle and Laura Dieckgrafe; and one great-granddaughter, Lilliauna Champion.

His parents; brothers, Joe and Ed; and a son-in-law, Rickie E. Clark, preceded him in death.

Memorials are suggested to the renovation of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, St. Francis Medical Center or Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation.