Darlene F. Slezak Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Darlene Frances Slezak was born to Albert & Esther (Engel) Duba in Friend, Nebraska on March 16, 1932 and entered into eternal salvation on July 30, 2020 at the Wilber Care Center in Wilber Nebraska at the age of 88 years, 4 months and 14 days. She was the oldest of 4 children in the family. Darlene was baptized on March 8, 1946 at the Wilber Methodist Church by Rev. K.O. Zavadil. She attended Country School at Fairview District #57 and Pleasant Prairie District #64. Darlene graduated from Friend High School with the class of 1950. She then attended Doane College and received her teaching certificate allowing her to teach at Country School Districts #64, #57, #100, and #30. On July 24, 1956, she was united in marriage to William F. “Bill” Slezak at the Methodist Church in Friend, Nebraska. To this union, two children born: Terry Ann and William “Billy” Albert. They lived south of Friend for a few years, then moving east of Geneva until the fall of 1969. They relocated to the Slezak Family Farm northwest of Milligan, where they resided until 1998. Upon retirement, they moved to Milligan. After Bill passed, Darlene was very proud to have purchased her own home there. Darlene was a busy farmwife and mother, raising their two children and preparing delicious meals to take out to the fields for the men during the busy farming seasons. As the family grew, she would never turn down a chance to help her family, taking care of their grandchildren and attending all of their activities. Her many interests included working outdoors, drawing, oil painting, socializing with friends, listening to Sunday polka music radio shows, and caring for Milligan’s homeless kitties. Later in life, she loved her job as librarian at the Milligan Public Library, serving in that role for 11 years. Darlene was a member of the Milligan United Methodist Church, serving as past Sunday school teacher, long time UMW member, member of the Milligan Legion Auxiliary Post #240, and a member of the Saline County Retired Teacher’s Association. She enjoyed socializing any chance she could. Darlene also loved attending the Wilber Czech Festival, proudly celebrating her Czech heritage. She only missed one Czech Days in the entire history of the celebration! She loved visiting with folks of any age. Darlene rarely missed a chance to ride along to the many dance jobs the Leonard Becwar Orchestra played for…meeting and making many new friends. Bill & Darlene were even able to attend Octoberfest in Germany and tour Austria and Switzerland with Leonard’s band. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; parents, Albert & Esther Duba; brother, Delbert W. Duba; mother & father-in-law, William & Anne Slezak; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Tupa and Jimmie L. Zalesky; sister-in-law, Betty (Slezak) Alfred; and niece, Katherine (Tupa) Bedient. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Terry Ann & Terry Brandt of Tobias, Nebraska; son and daughter-in-law, Billy & Jana Slezak of Milligan, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jeremy Brandt and wife, Lee of Crete, Nebraska, Jacob Brandt and fiancé Ivy Lutz of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jessica Brandt of Daykin, Nebraska, Shane Slezak and wife Jasmine, Shawn Slezak and wife Jennifer, Taylor Slezak and fiancé Joey Gilmer all of Milligan, Nebraska; sisters, Shirley J. Zalesky of Omaha, Nebraska, Esther M. Tupa of Wilber, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Carol Duba of Milligan, Nebraska; great grandchildren Kailee, Brittany and husband Joe, Jake, Emily and husband Josh, Lyla, Beau, Tyler “TJ”, Noah, Lily, Kaydence, Jade, Kasen, and Lennon; great great grandchildren Kinlee, Julius and Charlotte; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A Funeral Service for Darlene was held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Milligan, Nebraska. Kim Dunker officiated the Services. Karen Kohler provided was the organist and she accompanied the congregation in the singing of “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In The Garden.” The recorded recessional “You Are Mine” was also played. Pallbearers for the service included Jeremy Brandt, Jake Brandt, Shane Slezak, Shawn Slezak, Delbert Duba, Jr., Albert Duba, Joey Gilmer, and Jake England. A Graveside Service was held in the Bohemian National Cemetery following the Funeral Service. 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 United Methodist Church in Milligan, Milligan Fire & Rescue, and the Milligan Public Library.

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Darlene F. Slezak

March 16, 1932 - July 30, 2020