Lorene E. Buzek

Lorene E. (Elznic) Kottas - Buzek was born near Tobias, Nebraska on July 19, 1937 and passed away at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska, on July 27, 2023 at the age of 86 years, and 8 days. Her parents were Anton F. & Mary (Paroubek) Elznic. She attended Tobias Public School for 3 ½ years. Then the family moved and she attended Dist. #89 in Saline County through the 8th grade. She then returned to Tobias Public School and graduated in 1955. Her family included two brothers, Leo, who died at birth, & Larry, and one sister Lenoris Girmus. Lorene married Edward Frank Kottas on October 11, 1955 at York, Ne. They had 4 children: Marilyn, Beverly, Robert, & Richard. After Ed’s passing on July 20, 1984, Lorene married Wesley Buzek on September 25, 1985. Lorene was a homemaker. She enjoyed working on the farm, gardening, raising chickens, ducks, turkeys and guineas. She would always lend a helping hand in the field wherever needed. In later years, she worked at various jobs including; Ron’s Tavern, Bunker’s Inn, Food Basket, The Frosty Mug, Bev’s Bar & Grill, Bubba’s Anytime, Heritage Crossings, and Dollar General. She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She worked many Stags where she enjoyed dealing Blackjack as well as tending bar. She tended bar at the Milligan auditorium as well when needed. She held various offices in the Milligan Legion Auxiliary HSSK Post #240. She was instrumental in lining up many casino trips, as well as trips to Branson, Missouri, with bus driver Jim Suda. Preceding Lorene in death, were her husbands Edward F. Kottas and Wesley E. Buzek; son Robert E. Kottas and daughter-in-law Rose M. Kottas; parents Anton & Mary Elznic; and siblings, Leo Elznic, sister Lenoris Girmus and husband Rudy, & Larry Elznic. Lorene is survived by her children, Marilyn and husband Brian Srajhans of Tobias, Nebraska, Beverly Mohlman of Strang, Nebraska, and Richard Kottas of Exeter, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jason & Ashley Srajhans of Milligan, Nebraska; Joseph & Christina Srajhans of Geneva, Nebraska; Michelle Funk & Shawn Brooks of Davenport, Nebraska; Melissa & Troy Sieber of Davenport, Nebraska; Dillon & Haeli Steinacher of Exeter, Nebraska; Shawn & Lyndsey Kottas of Geneva, Nebraska; and Sharlene & Justin Harre of Exeter, Nebraska; great grandchildren, Trenton, Treygan, and Trevan Srajhans; Lilly & Riley Srajhans; Taylor, Carson & Tinley Sieber; Koby Steinacher; and Cohen & Braxton Harre; sister-in-law, Sharon Elznic; sister-in-law & brother-in-law Lorene & Don Sluka; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Lorene was well-loved and will be deeply missed by family, friends, and community. A Funeral Service for Lorene was held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Milligan Auditorium in Milligan, Nebraska. Kim Dunker presided over the Funeral Service. The recorded selections “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “In The Garden,” and “Amazing Grace” were played during the Funeral Service. Pallbearers included Jason Srajhans, Joseph Srajhans, Shawn Brooks, Troy Sieber, Dillon Steinacher, Shawn Kottas, and Justin Harre. Honorary Pallbearers included Ashley Srajhans, Christina Srajhans, Michelle Funk, Melissa Sieber, Haeli Steinacher, Lyndsey Kottas, and Sharlene Harre. A Graveside Service was held in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan, Nebraska. 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 American Legion Auxiliary or the Milligan and Fairmont Fire & Rescue Squads.

Tributes

Lorene E. Buzek

July 19, 1937 - July 27, 2023