David Vanek

David Vanek, 63, of Schuyler died Monday, May 26, 2008, at his home in Schuyler from cancer.

Dave was born Aug. 16, 1944, in Schuyler to William M. and Rose L. (Zeleny) Vanek. He graduated from Schuyler High School in 1962 and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he was a member of the Yell Squad and Delta Tau Delta. He married Laura Kirkland on June 21, 1969. He had worked at ADM, Cornhusker Office Supply, Wagner Mills and Excel Packing Plant (1971 to 2000), then he retired to became a full-time photographer.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eagles, Sertoma, Keep Schuyler Beautiful Committee, the Schuyler Arts Council, the Schuyler Economic Development Committee, the Professional Photographers of America and the Professional Photographers of Nebraska. He served as an EME, lector and on the finance committee at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was instrumental in starting the Squires in Schuyler and worked to help pass the latest school bond.

Survivors include: his wife; three sons, Steven (and wife, Nicole) of Grand Island, Barry (and wife, Maria) of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and Michael (and fiancee, Sara Mach) of Omaha; a brother, Gerald LeRoy (and wife, Shirley) Vanek of Austin, Texas; a sister-in-law, Lynn Vanek of Ball, La.; and five grandchildren.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Schuyler. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday at Svoboda Funeral Home South Chapel in Schuyler and after 7 p.m. at the church. A combined Parish and Knights of Columbus rosary will be said at 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Visitation will resume from 9-10:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Schuyler Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary's Catholic Church or the Benedictine Mission House. Condolences may be sent online at http://www.svobodafuneralhome.com">www.svobodafuneralhome.com.