LaVern J. Vejraska

LaVern Joe Vejraska, or as his friends knew him, “Bucky,” was born to Joseph Vejraska and Vlasta Krupicka on September 2, 1939 in Geneva, Nebraska and passed away December 23, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice, Nebraska at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 21 days. He was the oldest of 2 children. LaVern spent his childhood through high school on the family farm located 1 mile west and 3.5 miles south of Milligan, where he helped his parents. He attended country school at district 43, and then went on to complete his high school education at Milligan Public School, graduating in 1957. Following his graduation, he continued to help his parents on the farm while also working at Kassik Milling, loading box cars by hand. Then for a short time he worked in Lincoln at Gooch Milling, before coming back home to farm full time. He did return to Kassik Milling to help in the pellet mill from time to time, but his primary career was farming throughout his life. LaVern was married to Carol Lee Nunns of Geneva, on November 30, 1963 and to them 3 children were born: Bruce, Kevin, and Mark. LaVern raised corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, milo, alfalfa, cattle, and hogs. He put his sons to work on the farm as soon as they were able. Along with the farming, he enjoyed working with, selling, and collecting tractors of all different types over the years. He was interested in all types of tractors and farm equipment regardless of the make, though he was a John Deere fan most of all. Later he became fond of collecting toy farm equipment and spent much time with his family attending toy shows all over the state. He enjoyed fishing with his father Joe and his sons when time allowed. His son, Bruce, recalled many trips to farm ponds and sometimes to the Blue River. He was an avid polka fan, so much so that he played the bass horn in various polka bands. He played with The Accordionets, Loren Skrivaneks trio, and various other bands through the years. When he was not playing in the band, many weekends were spent attending polka dances at the auditorium with his family. Polka records were played often at home and later cassette tapes rode around in the pickup with him. Many times, you could hear polka music playing loudly in the pickup when he would pull up to see how the planting or harvesting was going. LaVern was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Vlasta Vejraska; mother-in-law Edna Nunns; father-in-law Francis Nunns; his wife Carol Vejraska; sister-in-law Barb Nunns; brother-in-law Dale Nunns; and sister-in-law Fay George. He is survived by sons Bruce (Marcia) Vejraska of Tobias, Kevin Vejraska of Milligan, and Mark (Melissa) Vejraska of Milligan; grandchildren Juana Wirth of Wymore, Brandon (Elizabeth) Wirth of Milligan, Kohl (Doniqua) Wallace of Joplin, Missouri, Ensley Stahl of Milligan, Charlie Vejraska of Milligan, Brody Vejraska of Milligan; great grandchildren Kaylnn, Lynnette, Kollin and Benjamin; sister Lelith Kassik and husband John Kassik of Milligan; brother-in-law Will George of Seattle, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for LaVern was held on Wednesday, January 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home – Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska. Kim Dunker presided over the Memorial Service. The recorded selections “Midnight Waltz” and “Over The Water Polka” were played during the Memorial Service. Honorary pallbearers included Alan Krupicka, Larry Capek, Henry Rohla, Jr., Duane Rohla, Kenny Zoubek, Kelly Baller, and Doug Krupicka. A Graveside Committal of Ashes was in the Bohemian National Cemetery. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Milligan Fire & Rescue.

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LaVern J. Vejraska

September 3, 1939 - December 23, 2024