Roy Leon Kociemba

1943 - 2025

Roy Leon Kociemba

December 13, 1943 - October 29, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Roy Leon Kociemba of York, Nebraska, on October 29, 2025, at the age of 81.

Those who knew Roy would smile knowing that true to form, he was with friends just the night before he passed. The next morning, his absence at the York Elks Lodge, where he faithfully enjoyed his morning coffee and newspaper and had an established seat at the end of the bar, was the first sign that something was amiss.

Roy was born on December 13, 1943, in Loup City, Nebraska, to Leon and Rose (Roy) Kociemba of Ogallala, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Ann (Kociemba) Lawson of Kearney, Nebraska.

He is survived by his loving sisters, Nancy (Kociemba) Seaman and husband, Robert Seaman of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Ellen (Kociemba) Werner and husband, Marvin Werner of Denver, Colorado as well as his brother, Thomas Kociemba, of Western North Carolina. Roy is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Roy.

Roy, along with his four siblings, attended Ogallala High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. After earning his degree from Kearney State College in 1967, he spent four years teaching in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Denver, Colorado, to pursue his Master's Degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Following his graduate studies, Roy began a long and fulfilling career at York High School in York, Nebraska, where he taught American Literature and served as advisor for the school's newspaper and yearbook.

With more than 30 years of dedication to York High, Roy became a beloved and respected educator whose influence spanned generations. He was known for his sharp wit, gentle nature, and deep commitment to his craft. His students and colleagues remember him as an inspiring teacher, a talented writer, and a kindhearted friend who always took an interest in the lives of others.

Roy's life was filled with purpose, community, and friendship. Whether in the classroom, at the Elks Lodge, or around the dinner table with friends, he made a lasting impact on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in York in the spring of 2026, with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests that donations be made to: Elks Lodge #1024 Scholarship Fund, 121 W 6th St., York, NE 68467. Condolences may be left for the family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling the arrangements.