Mike Vasina

Charles Michael Vasina

October 17, 1940 - April 28, 2026

Charles Michael Vasina, 85, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 in Columbus, NE

Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 am Saturday, May 2 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is on Friday from 5-7 pm at St. Isidore Church with a 7:00 pm Vigil service to follow, also at the church. Visitation continues Saturday morning from 10:00 am until service time at the church. Private family interment is in St. Mary’s Cemetery in David City. Military Honors by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard.

“Mike”, as he was known to both friends and family, was born on October 17, 1940, in David City, NE to Charles and Marie (Kasparek) Vasina. With a sparkle in his bright blue eyes and a grin full of mischief, he loved to gather with friends and family around the lake. He graduated from David City High School in 1958 and enlisted in the Navy where he served aboard the USS Kearsarge. After his discharge from the Navy, he came home to Nebraska, went to school in Milford, training to be a draftsman, and started his career with NPPD. Through mutual friends, he met the love of his life, Shirley (Shirl) Kucera. They were married in 1965 and moved to Columbus.

Mike and Shirl lived in town with their newborn son, Jess, but soon realized they wanted to leave the confines of their small home and city life and moved to Wagner’s Lake. Quickly growing out of their new home with the birth of two girls, Kelly and Jill, Mike and Shirl decided to build the home that would become his legacy. Some of his happiest memories were spent on the lake surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, passing down this love to his kids and grandkids. Mike enjoyed sharing an ice-cold Old Mil Light, an evening boat ride, and whatever he was cooking on the grill. He loved the people around him selflessly, always giving more than asked. Mike was faithful to God, regularly attending church with Shirl, and expressing this through how he treated those around him. He was the first to lend a hand, offer support, and show up when someone needed him.

Being on the lake with Shirl was truly the center of Mike’s life where they made everyone feel welcome. Mike and Shirl made this home the center of family, experiencing an abundance of love, a little heartache, lots of laughter, and the marriages of Jess (Amy), Kelly (Tom) and Jill, and eventually, grandchildren. His love for his wife Shirl and their grandchildren is the glory of Mike’s true legacy.

Mike adored his grandchildren. He instilled in them with a love of fishing, grilling, the outdoors, Johnny Cash, and, for better or worse, Nebraska football. He didn’t quite convince them to adopt his favorite beer, an ice-cold Old Mil Light. Most of all, Colin, Jacob, Ian, Jack, Savannah, Sophia, and Gavin grew up knowing they were worth more to Grandpa than all the fish in all the lakes in the world. Together, Mike and Shirl laid a foundation of family, support, and love.

Mike is survived by:

Wife Shirley “Shirl” Vasina

Children Jess (Amy) Vasina, Kelly (Tom) Peddicord, and Jill Vasina

Grandchildren Colin (Elyse) Vasina, Jacob ( Fiance ~ Lexie Karkazis) Peddicord, Ian Vasina, Jack (Fiance ~Jenna Rover) Vasina, Savannah Peddicord, Sophia Vasina, and Gavin Peddicord

In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are suggested to the family for local dementia support groups