Engelbert B. “Bert” Hrnicek was born at home on May 9, 1934, the youngest child of Engelbert J. and Katherine (Soukup) Hrnicek and passed away Feb. 27, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 90 years, 9 months and 18 days.
Bert grew up on the family farm between Bee and Dwight. He attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended Assumption Catholic High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1952. Bert enlisted into the Army National Guard where he served eight years in the U.S. Army Band. Upon his honorable discharge, Bert returned home to the farm. On Feb. 11, 1961, He was united in marriage to Mary L. Hamsa at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City, and to this union, five children were born.
Bert farmed near Dwight until his retirement in 1990-91. He loved music and played the tenor and alto saxophone, clarinet and sang for several Czech bands from high school until he was in his 70s. Bert was a long-time member of Assumption Catholic Church and later at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife of 64 years, Mary L. Hrnicek, Seward; five children and their spouses, Randy and wife, Chris Hrnicek, Cary, North Carolina, Noreen and husband, Ken Pinkerton, Lincoln, Beth and husband, Rich Kikla, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Marty Hrnicek, Blair, and Eric and wife, Peggy Hrnicek, St. Louis, Missouri; eight grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. at St Vinecnt de Paul Catholic church in Seward with inurnment following at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Dwight. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or Horisun Hospice.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
