Raymond L. Czapla

Raymond died Friday, October 25, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Columbus.


Raymond L. Czapla was born June 14, 1923 in Columbus, Nebraska to Joseph and Agnes (Kush) Czapla. He graduated from Duncan High School in 1943 and then from Milford College. Ray served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from June 1943 March 1946 where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Salt Lake City. He married Henrietta Mielak on December 20, 1947 at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus. Ray worked as a self-employed carpenter, builder and painter for 45 years. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name, V.F.W. and the American Legion. Ray was an avid runner and baseball player in his youth. In 2002 he was inducted into the Columbus Baseball Hall of Fame. Ray also enjoyed fishing, hunting and going to the horse races.

He is survived by:

Son: Larry Czapla of Duncan, NE
Son: David (Gina) Czapla of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter: Nicole (Brad) Wangler of Columbus, NE
Grandson: Toby Czapla of Bennington, NE
Granddaughter: Courtney (Greg) Hamik of Lincoln, NE
Grandson: Josh Czapla of Ankeny, IA
Great Grandchildren: Mackenzie & Carson Hamik
Great Grandchildren: Chase & Emma Wangler

He was preceded in death by:

Parents: Joseph and Agnes Czapla
Wife: Henrietta Czapla
Five Sisters: Theresa Krzycki, Mollie Jarecki, Frances Kobus, Agnes Kolinaski and Cecilia McContty
Six Brothers: Walter, Anthony, William, Marten, Joe and Marcel Czapla
Infant Grandson: Lawrence Czapla