Barbara F. Van Dyke

Barbara Francis "Box" Van Dyke, age 85, passed away on July 23, 2025, surrounded by her family in Columbus, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am Monday, July 28 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation is on Sunday from 5-7 pm at St. Bonaventure Church with a Vigil service and CDA Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm.  Visitation continues on Monday from 9:30 am until service time at the Church.  Interment is in All Saints Cemetery

Barb was born in Hall Summit, Louisiana, and was the eldest of five children raised on a cotton plantation by parents, Benton and Bernice (Madden) Box. She graduated from Coushatta High School in 1957. While most of her time was spent helping on the family plantation, she enjoyed playing clarinet in the marching band. Barb met Carroll while he was stationed at Barksdale Airforce Base- Shreveport, Louisiana. They were married on April 25, 1959 in Shreveport, Louisiana. This began a journey of over six decades filled with fishing trips, travels through western Nebraska, and raising their six beloved children. Carroll and Barb devoted themselves to their Catholic faith as proud members of St. Bonaventure Church.

Barb began her professional career in 1966 as a coil winder at Vishay, where she later retired as a receiving inspector in 2002 after 36 years of dedicated service.

Known as a master of making fried chicken, this meal was a staple at most family gatherings. She would spend days preparing her fried chicken for reunions with friends and family. She enjoyed playing the piano, collecting Seraphim Angels, and making sure her fingernails were always perfect. She also enjoyed tending to her garden and canning fruits and vegetables. Barb cheered unwaveringly for her favorite teams, the Huskers, LSU Tigers, and New Orleans Saints.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Carroll of Columbus, Nebraska; her children Gary (Ellen) Van Dyke of Milwaukee, WI, Randy (Cherie) Van Dyke, Ken (Denise) Van Dyke, Chris Van Dyke and partner Stephanie, and Becky (Steve) Vrba—all of Columbus, Nebraska. Siblings Debbie Self of Shreveport, LA, Rhonda (Luke) LeGrande of Greenbrier, AR, and Lynda Box of Pineville, LA.

Grandchildren: Nathan (Kari) Podliska, Ashley (Derek) Smith, Abie (Craig) Czapla, Jessica (Jim) Groskopf, Nick (Amber) Podliska, Rita (Ben) Heinen, Eric (Betsy) Vrba, Joseph Van Dyke, Jenna (Andy) Banahan, Josh Van Dyke, Kayleigh (Mike) Willson, Justin (Katie) Van Dyke, Nicole (Brent) Schiermann, Luke Van Dyke, Emma Van Dyke and fiancé Tyler, and Caleb Van Dyke. 26 Great Grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her daughter Sandy Podliska; her parents Benton and Bernice Box; in-laws Clarence and Mary Van Dyke; brother Tom Box; brother and sister-in-law Leroy and Eileen Hockemeier; brothers-in-law Ray Briscoe and Jody Self; and her great-granddaughter Charli Podliska.