Barbara Elizabeth (Sturgill) Urbanek was born March 27, 1950, in Columbus, to William and Lorraine (Wise) Sturgill and passed away July 21, 2023, in Seward, at the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 24 days.
Barb grew up in Primrose, and graduated from Spalding Academy High School with the Class of 1968. She then attended Hastings Community College for one year. Barb was united in marriage to Joseph Urbanek on Feb. 19, 1972, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and to this union, two sons were born, Brian and Brad. Barb was employed at the telephone company for a short while until she began working at Nebraska Public Power District. She later worked for the State of Nebraska for several years. In August 1975, Barb began employment at Walker Manufacturing Co., which later became Tenneco, Inc., until her retirement in January 2019.
Barb enjoyed playing softball and watching various sporting events. She loved to cook and host Christmas dinner for her family. Barb enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune. She was dedicated to her work, where she always put 100% into everything she did. Barb was a lifelong member of the Seward United Methodist Church.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Judy Ann Sturgill; in-laws, Adolph and wife, Mildred Urbanek, Raymond and wife, Helen Urbanek, Mildred and husband, Joe Solis, Jim Headrick, Lucille Wondra and Phyllis Urbanek.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her husband, Joseph Urbanek, Seward; children, Brian (Courtney) Urbanek, Lighthouse Point, Florida, and Brad (Trisha) Urbanek, Omaha; grandchildren, Christian Urbanek, Patrick Urbanek, Grant Urbanek and Kraig Urbanek; three brothers, William (Kathy) Sturgill, George (Barbara) Sturgill, and John (Linda) Sturgill; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose Stilwell, Marcy (James) Sklenar, Irene Humrick, Beatrice Headrick, Jim Wondra, Bernard Urbanek and Emil and wife, Kathy Urbanek; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 27, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. At the Seward United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will follow at the church with inurnment at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
