Daniel Otto Sasek

1946 - 2024

Daniel Sasek passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Neb., with his family by his side.

Daniel Otto Sasek was born March 16, 1946, in Omaha to Otto and Irene (Benben) Sasek.

A year later, he moved with his parents to the family farm northeast of Sargent, which was homesteaded by his great-grandparents. He grew up there along with his four younger brothers. He attended Mt. Pleasant country school and graduated from Sargent High School in 1964.

He attended Kearney State College for three years, then was drafted into the US Army in December, 1967, during the Vietnam conflict. Following his basic training at Fort Lewis, Wash., he served with the 438th Army Band at Fort Lewis and then with the First Air Cavalry in Vietnam. He was discharged in September, 1969.

Following his service for his country Dan returned to Kearney State College, where he graduated with a degree in music education in May, 1972.

On May 20, 1972, he married Marlene Malicky in Burwell. He and Marlene were blessed with the birth of their sons, Matthew in 1975 and Timothy in 1978.

Daniel taught music at Burwell Jr-Sr High School for two years then joined his father in the family farm and ranch operation. He was the fourth generation of his family to reside and farm on the family's original homestead. In 1986 he and his family moved to a farm east of Sargent.

Daniel was a lifelong and faithful member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Sargent where he served as the pianist for 44 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served his community as a member of the Sargent school board for 20 years, and as the commander of the Sargent American Legion Post for 17 years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations.

Music was always a very important part of his life; he had perfect pitch and was proficient in playing the piano, trombone and piano accordion. He provided music for countless weddings and funerals over the years as well as entertainment for many other events.

Daniel was a hard-working, humble person who was always willing to help others. He loved the farming and ranching life and enjoyed music and playing cards with his friends. He was so proud of his sons and never missed any of their sporting events, school activities or accompanying them on the piano for their instrumental solos.

After suffering heart failure for many years Dan was blessed to receive a heart transplant in 2015. For this, he and his family were forever grateful to his donor's family and would like to encourage others to become organ donors.

Daniel is survived by Marlene, his wife of more than 51 years; son Matt (Landi) Sasek of Ankeny, Iowa, and children Thomas and Madison; son Tim (Mary) Sasek and children Jillian and Andrew of Bellevue; four brothers Dennis (Judy), Larry (Kaye) of Lincoln, Gerald (Laura) and Alan (Lisa) of North Port, Fla;. his brother and sister-in-law Larry and Barbara Malicky of Georgetown, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Services will be Thursday, March 14, at 10 a.m. at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Sargent with Father Jim Hunt as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Sargent.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Words of condolence may be left at www.govierbrothers.com .