Rudolph E. (Rudy Jay) Jirkovsky

September 4, 1926 - April 14, 2011

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, from the Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska. Visitation will begin Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m, at the funeral home in Geneva. Burial will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan with Military honors provided by the Geneva VFW. Memorials are directed to the family for later designation. Rudolph E. Jirkovsky was born to Charles J. and Anna (Korbelik) Jirkovsky on September 4, 1926 in Geneva, Nebraska and passed away on April 14, 2011 at the Fillmore County Hospital at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 7 days. Rudy was one of 6 children in the family. Rudy grew up near Geneva in the Chelsea Township. He lived on the farm with his dad, mother, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. He was drafted in the military, and was a Korean War veteran. During his 2 years in the service, he was stationed overseas in various locations throughout the world. Upon his return from the war, he farmed with his dad until his dad retired from farming. At the time of his dad’s retiring, Rudy purchased his own land, and began farming on his own. Rudy loved the land and the wildlife that inhabited it. He often talked about the deer, pheasants, and other wildlife on his farm. Rudy was a very talented musician, learning to play the cornet at age 8. He also played the sousaphone, but his greatest love was the trumpet. He played with various bands, and he traveled all over Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and overseas to Czechoslovakia. Rudy wrote music for the bands he played with, and he eventually started his own band , “The Rudy Jay Orcestra.” His brother, Charles, was also a talented musician, and they enjoyed playing together. Rudy was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame For Musicians which was a great honor for him. Rudy will be remembered for his service to his country, his love of the land, and his great ability to make people happy with his music. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Leonard and Charles; and sister Blanche. He is survived by his sister & brother in law Mildred & Harold DeRosbil of Omaha, sister Ann McDonald of Geneva; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.