Raymond Urbanek of Columbus died Friday, September 21, 2012 at Mory's Haven in Columbus.
Raymond E. Urbanek was born March 27, 1927 in Brainard, NE to Ivan and Anna (Stanek) Urbanek. He was raised in Seward County and graduated from Gresham High School in 1944. On June 4, 1944, Ray entered the US Army during World War II. Ray was discharged and married Louise Novell Johannes. He later reenlisted into the Air Force serving during 2 wars including the Korean War and Vietnam. Ray served until 1968, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. During his military career he served in the Commandos and received numerous medals and commendations including the Bronze Star. Ray returned to Columbus where he worked for NPPD for 10 years and served in the Air Force Reserve. Ray married Helen Determan on August 1, 1987 in Columbus at St. Bonaventure Church. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, American Legion, VFW, Eagles Club, Air Force Sergeants Association, Air Force Retired Association, and the Air Force Non-Commissioned Academy. Ray served on the American Legion Honor Guard where he received the Keith Bryan Award, the honor guards most distinguished award. He served for 21 years and 652 services.
He is survived by: Wife Helen Urbanek of Columbus Step Daughter Jean (Lambert) Johnston of Lincoln Step Daughter Jane Turner of Lincoln Step Daughter Mary Oehlrich of Tennessee Step Son David (Debra) Schleu of LaVista, NE Step Son Michael (Linda) Determan of Ithaca, NE Step Son Daniel (Cindy) Determan of Columbus Sister Rose (Edgar) Stilwell of Lincoln Sister Irene Humrich of Scottsdale, AZ Sister Beatrice (Jim) Headrick of North Port, AL Sister Mildred Solis of Tennessee Sister Marcella (Jim) Sklenar of David City, NE Brother Bernard (Phyllis) Urbanek of Georgia Brother Emil (Kathryn) Urbanek of Ulysses, NE Brother Joe (Barbara) Urbanek of Ulysses, NE Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews
He is preceded in death by: First Wife Louise Urbanek Step Son Kenneth Schleu Step Son Robert Johannes Brother Adolph Urbanek Sister Lucille Wondra Parents
