Melvin F. Cihal

1939 - 2025

Melvin F. Cihal

December 26, 1939 - August 12, 2025

Melvin F. Cihal, of Dwight, Nebraska, passed away on August 12, 2025, at the age of 85 in Olathe, Kansas with his family by his side. Melvin was born on December 26, 1939, in Dwight, Nebraska to Frank and Mary (Liskovec) Cihal. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Assumption High School in 1958.

Melvin went on to study at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, graduating with an electronics degree in 1961. Upon completion of his degree, he enlisted into the United States Air Force, serving proudly until 1965. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he attended electronics school in Biloxi, Mississippi and was stationed at the Air Force Base in Lincoln, Nebraska. His service took him to Saragosa, Spain, where he worked on B-47 aircraft as an electronics specialist. He returned to Lincoln and was honorably discharged in 1965. Melvin joined Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa following his military service. It was during this time that he married the love of his life, Mary Kay (Hanus) Cihal on August 27, 1966, and to this union three children were born.

They lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa until 1968, when they moved back to Butler County and established their family farm near Dwight, Nebraska. It was here that they lived and raised a loving family for nearly 53 years of marriage. Melvin retired from farming in 2017 to care for his wife during her illness. He was with her every moment until her death and never fully recovered from losing her. Melvin was a devoted and loving father and grandfather that traveled near and far to celebrate holidays and special events with his family. Cherished memories include time spent with family, card games and travel with friends, trips to the casino, and couch time watching games shows on television. A favorite last memory was attending the Thunderbirds Air Show at Tinker Airforce Base in Oklahoma City.

Melvin and Kay were parishioners of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, Nebraska. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ulysses branch of the Catholic Workman where he served as President for several years. Additionally, he served on the Co-op Board in Ulysses, Nebraska and was as a member of the American Legion in Dwight, Nebraska.

Melvin is preceded in death by his wife; parents; parents in-law, John, Mary Rose and Geneveive Hanus; sister and brother-in-law, Delores (Cihal) and Leon Orender; brothers-in-law, Larry Riha and Gerald Hanus; and sisters-in-law, Jeanne Hanus and Karen (Hanus) Steffensmeier.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his children, Jean (Cihal) and husband, Scott Patton of Wellsville, Kansas, Sheri (Cihal) and husband, Kevin Hilger of Olathe, Kansas, and Alan and wife, Dana Cihal of Seward, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Madi (Hilger) and husband, Caleb Brond, Riley Hilger, Brenna Cihal and fiancé', Cameron Schwarz, and Broden Cihal; brother, Gary and wife, Shirley Cihal; sister, Jeanne (Cihal) Riha; brother-in-law, John and wife, Penne Hanus; sister-in-law, Connie (Hanus) and husband, Don Johnson; brother-in-law, Paul and wife, Pam Steffensmeir; and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Melvin.

Visitation was held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ulysses, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ulysses, with Father Michael Stec celebrating Mass. Graveside and Interment followed at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, Masses or to Aquinas school. Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home, Seward was entrusted with the arrangements.