Valerian “Val” Leonard Dworak was born Feb. 10, 1943, in Columbus, to Emil and Lillian (Kment) Dworak and passed away Dec. 10, 2024, in Seward, at the age of 81 years and 10 months.
Val grew up in Colfax Count,y where he attended Clarkson High School, graduating with the class of 1961. He then went to Southeast Community College in Milford and graduated with his degree in auto mechanics. After his completion of college, he married his high school sweetheart, Blanche Vondruska, on Feb. 22, 1964, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Heun, Nebraska. To this union, four children were born, Timothy, Theresa, Thomas and Dennis. The couple lived in Columbus for a short time, where he worked as a mechanic.
Val and Blanche then moved to Seward in 1972, where he began working for Rolfsmeier Motors as the assistant parts manager. Val worked at Kohl Auto Center for a few years before returning to Rolfsmeier Motors as part manager until their closure in 2006. During this time, he also enjoyed clerking for the Auction Team. After retiring, he began working for St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and School as the maintenance man and “hot lunch lady” serving school lunches. He did that for 12 years before again retiring in 2018.
Never one to be bored, Val and Blanche worked for the Nebraska Game and Parks for several years as well and enjoyed being at Lewis and Clark Lake, which was their favorite. Val enjoyed camping and working on small engine restorations. While his boys were growing up, he served as Boy Scout Troop Leader. Val was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, including serving various chapter and state offices. He also achieved 3rd and 4th Degrees. On Sundays, he would always listen to the All Star Polka show as well the Molly B show. He enjoyed collecting M&M memorabilia and was an M&M enthusiast. Val loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and attending their different sporting events and other activities.
He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Blanche Dworak of Seward; children and spouses, Tim (Lisa) Dworak of Seward, Theresa Dworak of Le Sueur, Minnesota, Thomas Dworak of Lincoln, and Dennis (Kelley) Dworak of Layton, Utah; grandchildren and spouses, Max (Kelsey) Dworak, Matthew (Laura) Dworak, Michael “Mikey” (Hannah) Dworak, Benjamin Dworak, Megan (Duke) Nelson, Lilia Dworak; great-grandchildren, Kamilla “Millie” Dworak, Maxwell “Wells” James Dworak II; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward. Family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the church with interment following at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and School. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
