Robert J. "Bob" Golka

1933 - 2026

Robert J. "Bob" Golka

October 6, 1933 - March 5, 2026

Robert J. "Bob" Golka, 92, of Grand Island, NE died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at CHI Health St. Francis surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. Archbishop James R. Golka will preside, with bishops and priests of the neighboring diocese concelebrating, assisted by Deacons Ron Golka and Robert Mallett. Interment will be held in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5 – 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Archbishop James. R. Golka Legacy Fund at Grand Island Central Catholic. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Bob's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Robert "Bob" Joseph Golka was born on October 6, 1933, on the family farm located one mile southwest of Elyria, Nebraska to Stanley and Victoria (Silver) Golka the sixth of seven children.

The family attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Elyria where Bob was baptized and confirmed. He attended District No. 63 Grade School in Elyria and then Ord High School graduating as a Salutatorian in 1952. He then attended Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha Nebraska studying accounting and receiving an associate degree as a Junior Accountant in 1953.

Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War on July 31, 1953. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the Headquarter Company, 10th Infantry Division working as a Personnel Clerk in the Classification and Assignment Section. When the 10th Infantry Division was disbanded in 1954, he was transferred to the 5022 Army Service Unit, Fifth Army, in Fort Carson, Colorado, working as a clerk in the Unit's Personnel Section. Bob was honorably discharged on June 8, 1955, with the rank of corporal.

Bob worked on the family farm until 1956 when he enrolled in the College of Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln studying agricultural engineering. He received his engineering degree in January 1961 and accepted a position working for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in the Bureau's Project Office in Grand Island, Nebraska. He worked in various positions throughout his almost 33 years with the Bureau, retiring as Chief of the Project's Office's Engineering Division in January 1994. He was a Professional Engineer in the State of Nebraska and worked on the planning, design and construction of several projects including the Sargent Unit, the Farewell Unit, the Ainsworth Unit, and finally on the North Loup Division consisting of Calamus Dam, Davis Creek Dam, Kent Diversion Works and Geranium Pumping Plant.

On August 5, 1961, Bob married Patrica Jean Ostdiek at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence, Nebraska. This union was blessed with ten children, Ronald, John, Barbara, James, Cynthia, Jean, Gregory, Sheryl, Gary and Timothy. Bob and Pat made their home in Grand Island. They attend St. Mary's Cathedral where Bob served on the Parish Council. They became Charter members of St. Leo's Catholic Church when the Parish was formed in 1973. Bob served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Leo's. Pat died January 5, 2026.

Bob was a member of American Legion Post No. 53, the Saddle Club, the National Association of the Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), a Life member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 10387, and a Fourth Degree Life Member of the Bishop Paschang Assembly. Bob joined the Knights of Columbus as a Third-Degree member of St. Mary's Council No. 1159 on November 23, 1963. He served as Grand Knight and Financial Secretary of that council. He also served as a District Deputy for four years. As a Fourth-Degree member he was active on the Assembly's Honor Guard for Liturgical Church activities, Harvest of Harmony Parades, State Fair opening ceremonies and parades, and for Central Catholic High School football, basketball, volleyball, track and wrestling events. Bob was a member of the Central Catholic Booster Club working on Husker Harvest Days, Karnival Kapers, and the "Knight". Bob and Pat were elected to the Central Catholic Hall of Fame in 2019.

Bob was a supporter of Nebraska Football attending home games for many years. He enjoyed doing yard work and woodworking, designing and construction decks and housing additions. He also enjoyed listening to classical music.

Bob is survived by The Rev. Mr. Ron (Chris) Golka of Grand Island, NE, John (Pam) Golka of Omaha, NE, Barb (Scott) Brokaw of Grand Island, NE, Most Rev. James R. Golka of Colorado Springs, CO, Cindy (Jim) Jussel of Shawnee, KS, Greg (Tiffany) Golka of Omaha, NE, Sheri (Mike) Genereux of Honey Creek, IA, Gary (Tanya) Golka of Waconia, MN, and Tim (Jenny) Golka of Grand Island, NE.

Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Joseph Golka, Michael (Leah) Golka, Sarah (Shawn) Ruzicka, Katie (Kris) Czerwiec, Brian (Madeline Burkemper) Golka, Brianna (Dustin) Olson, Brett (Leah) Brokaw, Brady (Anna) Brokaw, Kylie Jussel, Kaci Jussel, Josie Golka, Sophie Golka, Addie Golka, Clara Genereux, Ryan Genereux, Aaron Golka, Madison Golka, Mia Golka, Cody Golka, Kade Golka, Marissa Golka; great-grandchildren, James Golka, Eloise, Theodore and Phillip Ruzicka, Gabe and Lilah Czerwiec, Nadine, Loretta and Riley Burkemper Golka, Ruby, Elise and Claire Brokaw, and Mallory and Nell Brokaw; sister-in-law, Sharroll Golka of Omaha; several Ostdiek in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Patrica; daughter, Jean; parents, Stanley and Victoria Golka; sisters, Rose (Richard) Gibbons, and Delores (Bill) Mason; and brothers, Leon, Alvin, Richard and Sylvester Golka.