Gerald Janicek

Gerald Janicek, age 93, died Friday, October 29, 2021, at Cottonwood Place in Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in rural Bellwood. Visitation is Monday, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil service at the Church. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Interment is at St. Joseph Cemetery, rural Bellwood with Military Honors by the Bellwood American Legion Laverne Schmit Post #327.

The Funeral Mass will be broadcast on the McKown Funeral Home Facebook page. You can access the Facebook page by clicking here .

Gerald E. Janicek was born July 31, 1928, in Butler County, NE to Leo and Laura (Schmit) Janicek. He attended Country School District # 41 and graduated from Kramer High in 1945. Gerald was united in marriage to LaVetta Helen Novacek on February 1, 1951, in Schuyler. He entered the military on March 1,1951 and spent 13 months in Korea before his discharge on March 8, 1953. Gerald was a farmer all his life and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellwood, a member and past officer of the Holy Name, Trustee for the Cemetery Board for many years, a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and a member of the VFW and American Legion. Gerald was past president of the Butler County Feeders and Breeders Association. He was an avid bowler and past president of the Columbus Bowling Association and a member of the Butler County Fair Board. Gerald loved playing, coaching, and watching baseball. He was a recipient of the Quilt of Valor for his service during the Korean War.

Gerald is survived by:
Daughter: Gail (Mel) Bomar of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Wendy (Myron) Marquis of Courtland, KS
Daughter: Joyce (Allan) Thorson of Hay Springs, NE
Daughter: Jeri (Dan) Truksa of David City, NE
Daughter: Theresa (Mark) Ingram of Shelby, NE
Son: Gary (Connie) Janicek of Seward, NE
Son: Greg (Ronda Hogan) Janicek of Spirit Lake, IA
20 Grandchildren
33 Great Grandchildren
Brother: Melvin Janicek of Columbus, NE

He was preceded in death by:
Wife: LaVetta Janicek
Parents: Leo and Laura Janicek
Great-Grandson: Carson Bomar