Ronald J. Hruska

Ronald J. Hruska

Jan. 11, 1931 – Jan. 14, 2020

Ronald J. Hruska was born Jan. 11, 1931, in Rising City to John and Rose (Fisher) Hruska and passed away Jan. 14, 2020, at the age of 89 years and 3 days. Growing up the family lived near David City, Abie, Chapman and near Ulysses. Ron attended school near David City, Nimberg, Chapman and District 31 near Ulysses. His high school years were spent in Ulysses, graduating with the class of 1949.

Ron farmed with his father after graduation and worked in the Burlington shops in Havelock. He joined the Air National Guard in Lincoln and was called to active duty on April 1, 1951, during the Korean Conflict. After basic training he attended A & E School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He then crewed an F51 D until his discharge where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ron was honorably discharged on Dec. 5, 1952. Upon his return, he farmed with his father until he rented his own land. On June 16, 1954, Ron was united in marriage to Rita J. Rolenc, and to this union 13 children were born, seven boys and six girls. They retired on their farm near Ulysses. Rita passed away in 2000. Ron then married Nadine Dobesh in 2003.

Ron loved old tractors and old machinery and he restored several of them. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, the Dwight American Legion Post 110 and the Knights of Columbus Council 01717 in David City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Rita; daughter, Rita Mae; brother, Dennis; and sister-in-law, Lavern Hruska.

Ron is survived by his wife, Nadine; 12 children, Ron Hruska, Jr. and wife Robin of Lincoln, Mark Hruska and wife Janet of Ulysses, Chris Hruska and wife Connie of Blue Springs, Missouri, Mary Buckley and husband Kelly of Omaha, Philip Hruska of New York, New York, Andrew Hruska of Omaha, Joseph Hruska and wife Diane of Ulysses, Matthew Hruska and wife Denise of Ames, Iowa, Ann Giebler and husband Joe of Omaha and triplets, Jane Baumert and husband Dean of Omaha, Joan Kisling and husband Jeff of Kansas City, Missouri, and Janice Krohn and husband Rob of Yorba Linda, California; 30 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Bill Dobesh and wife Karen of Columbus, Sharon Orrell and husband John of Milford and Judy Pernicek and husband Darrel of Hastings. 

A rosary service was held Jan. 10, 2020, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, with the Rev. Michael Stec as celebrant. A graveside service and interment were in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ulysses, with military honors by the United States Air Force and Dwight American Legion Post 110. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ulysses Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.