Roland "Andy" F. Anderjaska

He “fought the good fight and finished the race…he kept the faith”

After a long goodbye, Roland “Andy” Frederick Anderjaska departed this life on May 6, 2025, leaving a legacy of hard work, love for family, and a strong faith in God.

Roland was born across the road from Sacred Heart Church to Frederick William and Genevieve Traphagan Anderjaska on March 10, 1937. “Pete” as his dad insisted on calling him, grew up a happy farm kid who loved his horse and his older sisters, Janice and Marilyn, but hated having to kill & dress chickens each morning – perhaps explaining his dislike for chicken as an adult.

Roland began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, graduated from Hayes County High School and McCook Junior College, then proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant E6. His experiences instilled a civic-mindedness he later used to serve on numerous boards at local and state levels, including the Hayes County school boards, the State Planning and Evaluation Committee of the State Department of Education, 20 years on the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service county committee, and as one of the first directors of the McCook Community College Foundation.

After getting his education, Roland came home to join his father on the family farm. He still found time for fun, though, and was captivated by his friend’s date on a double-date night out at McMillan’s Drug Store. Fortunately there were no hard feelings, and this lovely lady, Marilyn Crawford McBrien, became his wife on April 12, 1958.

Together, Roland and Marilyn raised four children: Elisa Dawn, Jon Frederick, Theresa Anne, Joseph Ray. He was a loving and supportive father who instilled hard, honest work but made even chores like fixing fence, working cattle, and setting water fun. On a rainy day, the family would take advantage of “time off” from the farm and head off for a 2-day excursion, visiting historic sites in Nebraska. Everyone who knew and loved him could expect his quick-wit and one-liners to make them laugh and to feel his quiet support when they were with him.

Always a faithful, dedicated steward of God’s earth and caretaker of God’s creatures, he had the privilege of farming with his father, then a son, and eventually a grandson, producing wheat and corn in Hayes County. In 2008 the American Angus Association awarded him with the Historic Angus Herd Award for 50 continuous years of breeding registered Angus cattle. He was very proud that his family still today continues this tradition.

Roland was a stalwart leader in his church. He was baptized on April 4, 1937, made his First Holy Communion, was confirmed in Christ and served as an acolyte, lector and long-time trustee at Sacred Heart. He always joked about it, and true to his wishes, his final resting place will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, across the road from where he was born.

Our Dad and Grampy was loved and loved well. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn, his children: Elisa and Jerry Jensen, Jon and Patty Anderjaska, Theresa and Ron Bubak, and Joseph and Brenda Anderjaska;

His adored grandchildren: Allisyn and Adam Mills, Nickolas and Nichole Bubak, Betsy and Nik Johanson, Amy and Adam Martin, Erik and Leah Anderjaska, Matthew and Kendra Jensen, Andee and Clint Felber, William and Haylie Anderjaska, Jessica Anderjaska and Lane Scott, Michael and Samuel Gregory-Jensen, Wesley and Ellie Anderjaska, Nathan and Regan Bubak, Joseph Anderjaska, Benjamin Anderjaska and fiancée Laura Parrish, and Jakob and Aubree Anderjaska.

And the light of this life, 25 great-grandchildren, ranging from age 11 years to 3 months: Andrew and Isaac Mills; Nora, Nellie, and Navy Bubak; Dane and Max Johanson; Noah and Connor Martin; Mikah, Eliana, and Alexander Anderjaska; Kason and Kallan Felber; Sophie, Emmie, Kenzie, Leo, Olivia, and Mildred Anderjaska; Jaylee and Charlie Dack and Lainey Scott; Bella Anderjaska, and Vivian Bubak.

Other survivors include sisters Janice Barber and Marilyn Fornoff and a loving, extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to McCook College Foundation for a scholarship in Roland's name, PO Box 195, McCook, NE 69001.

Visitation will be held at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook, NE from 5-7 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Recitation of the Rosary will follow, beginning at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, McCook, NE at 11:00am, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with Father Bernard Kimminau as Celebrant.

Burial will follow, beginning at 2:00 PM, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hayes County, NE.