John F. Petrzelka

PRAGUE – John F. Petrzelka, 98, of Prague, died June 28 at the Saunders Medical Center in Wahoo.
Petrzelka was born on Aug. 22, 1911, to Vaclav and Anna (Hines) Petrzelka at Prague. He attended school in Prague and graduated from Prague High School in 1929. He served in the United States Army Air Corp from Jan. 13, 1942 to Nov. 4, 1945 when he was honorably discharged.
He was united in marriage to Alberta Gottberg on May 29, 1951 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Weston. They made their home in Prague. He was a mechanic at the Mead Ordnance Plant for many years until it's closing. He continued his career at Offutt Air Force Base until retiring in 1972.
He was a member of the Prague Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years; served 10 years on the school board; was chairman of the Community Fund Drive for 29 years; served as a director of the Prague Coop for 10 years; was Commander of the Prague American Legion Post for five years and served one year as the commander of the Saunders County Legion; served four years as trustee of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; was chairman of the Chester precinct board for 12 years and played on the Prague baseball town team for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son, John D. Petrzelka; brothers, William and James Petrzelka; and sisters-in-law, Rita and Irene Petrzelka.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Mark Hotovy of Dwight; daughter-in-law, Lorri Petrzelka of Prague; grandchildren and spouses, Nick and Ashley Kumpula of Lincoln, Molly and Dennis Holder of Bellevue, Trisha and J.D. Steinbach of Fremont and Tiffany Petrzelka of Lincoln; great-granddaughter, Paige Bramhall; sisters-in-law, Loretta Zitek, Opal Rezac, Karen Gottberg and Marlene Gottberg; many loving nieces and nephews, relatives and many many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held July 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. Ronald Homes officiating. Interment was at St. John Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 254.
Casket bearers were Richard Sloup, Reuben Petrzelka, Mark Otte, Mark Lackey, Mike Rezac and Mike Steyer.
Honorary bearers were Emil Snitily, Frank Sousek, Craig Steyer, Greg Gottberg, Jimmy Petrzelka, Mike Fender and Bud Musiel.
Memorials may be made in care of the family.
Kucera Funeral Home in Prague was in charge of the arrangements.