John Robert Smutny

1944 - 2022

KEARNEY - John Robert Smutny, 77, of Kearney died peacefully Sunday, March 13, 2022, with the love of his family surrounding him.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney.
Burial services will follow at Kearney Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
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John Robert Smutny was born April 25, 1944, in Omaha, to James and Mary (Smola) Smutny. He was raised in Omaha and received his education from Omaha Central High School. He later attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha. John also served in the Nebraska National Guard.
John had a passion for dogs. He was a German shorthaired and Vizsla field trainer and received many awards in competitions across the Midwest. He spent many enjoyable years with his favorite Labs - Sammy Jo and Ace.
John began his career in the beer distributor business in Blair. He then went on to be owner in Nebraskaland Distributors working in Hastings and McCook. He later owned and operated Little Kings in Kearney for several years. Most recently John worked for VisionComm to keep himself busy. John's most important job was being a dedicated father to his sons, Bob and Chris.
John had a passion for many things. He loved all things outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, feeding the deer and spending time at his cabin at Harlan County Lake. When John spent any time indoors he was more than likely watching sports or a western movie. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. His biggest joy was the love for his grandkids.
John was a dedicated father and survivors include his sons, Bob (Crystal) Smutny, Makenzie, Ryaan and Blake of Kearney; and Chris (Christine) Smutny, Madelyne and Andrew of Tekamah; brother, Chuck (Jan) Smutny of Danville, Calif.; sister, Mary (Rick) Donovan of Omaha; special friend, Deb Beerman of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sherry Smutny and their son Michael Smutny.