Reynold “Rey” E. Hladky
Reynold “Rey” E. Hladky
Sept. 20, 1937 – Feb. 11, 2020
Reynold E. Hladky of Bee was born Sept. 20, 1937, in Seward County to Edward A. and Theresa (Kunasek) Hladky and passed away Feb. 11, 2020, in Seward at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 22 days. Rey attended Bee Public School, then Seward High School, and graduated with the class of 1955. He helped his father on the farm and worked at Dale Products in Columbus. He also served in the National Guard from 1960 to 1966.
Rey married Mildred (Kral) Barber on Dec. 29, 1962, in Wilber, and to this union five children were born, Rebecca, Geannine, Katherine, Julie and John. He also was stepfather to Mildred’s son, Steven Barber. Rey worked at American Stores in Lincoln for 20 years before it closed, and he began working in the tractor and implement business, retiring at age 66 after years as a truck driver for Nebraska Equipment in Seward.
His garden was his passion, raising plenty to share, as well as working on anything with engines; he could fix anything. He loved children and delighted in spending time with his five grandchildren. He loved to make sauerkraut and can pickles as well as put up corn. His grandchildren would request “Grandpa’s pickles” be brought when he visited. He loved polka music and prune kolaches, as well as almost anything Czech. His faith was admirable, as he spent nearly four hours a day in prayer and served as a lector and acolyte for his church, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Bee. He served as a volunteer for the Bee Volunteer Fire Department and a Village Trustee for the Village of Bee from 1974 to 1982.
Rey was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Steven Barber; daughter, Rebecca Hladky; sisters, Betty Tvrdy, Ellen Jiskra and JoAnn Hladky; and sisters-in-law and spouse, Evelyne (Gilbert) Anderson, Dorothy Casteel and Lorraine Bamberry.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred; four children and their spouses, Geannine (Jon) Darby of Perry Hall, Maryland, Katherine (Gary) Ritter of Hill City, South Dakota, Julie Rickels of Lincoln and John Hladky of Bee; five grandchildren, Matthew Honeycutt, Theresa Honeycutt, Nathan Rickels, Rachel Rickels and Benjamin Rickels; brother and spouse, Edward (Marilyn) Hladky; brothers-in-law, Eugene Tvrdy, Larry Jiskra and Tom Casteel; and 24 nieces and nephews.
A rosary service and Mass of Christian Burial were Feb. 15, 2020, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Bee, with the Rev. Raymond Jansen celebrating Mass. A graveside service and interment were in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church to go for the upkeep of the Grotto. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
