Vernon Branek

Vernon Branek, 82, of  rural Steinauer, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at his home.  He was born on January 26, 1935 to Wilber and Margaret (Klein) Branek.

Vernon went to grade school at Clear Creek District 18 for 8 years, he then went to Table Rock High School and graduated in 1952.  He loved football and track in high school and made All Conference tackle in his senior year.  He also went to State in the Mile run and Mile relay in track.  After high school Vernon helped out on the family farm and also worked for farmers and businesses around the Table Rock area. 

He married Shirley Ann Fritch on June 25, 1958 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska.  To this union six children were born, Kathryn, Donna, Judy (Judith), Kevin, Kenton and Ronald.  Shirley passed away on April 25, 2002.

Vernon married Dorothy Cordon Rosenkrans on September 20, 2003 at St. Malo (Chapel of the Rocks) in Estes Park, Colorado.

He served in the Navy for 8 years from 1953-1961, then 6 years Active Reserve Status, with 2 years on Active Duty with a Patrol Bomber Squadron VAHM 10 Whidbey Island, Washington from 1956-1958.

Vernon farmed all of his life except the 2 years of Active Navy Life.  He loved his sheep (ewes) and the thousands of lambs he fed out.  He also had hogs and cattle.

He was a lifetime member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska.  He served as Pawnee County Precinct Committeeman, Pawnee County Farmer's Union President, Table Rock Rural Fire District, Steinauer School Board, Branek-Burgert Cemetery Association and Farmers Union Oil Association of Steinauer and Beatrice.

Vernon loved to hunt all big game and to travel.  He loved the mountains, especially Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Washington State.  Vernon traveled to all but 6 states including Hawaii and Alaska. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilber and Margaret Branek, his first wife, Shirley, sons, Kenton and Ronald, granddaughter, Jill Speers, brother and his wife, Charles and Lois Branek and brother-in-law, Dorwin Durman.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Steinauer, children, Kathryn Speers and husband Vernon of Steinauer, Donna Schuster and husband Kirk of Berthoud, CO, Judy Zumbrun and husband Gary of Baker, MT, Kevin Branek of Pawnee City, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Shawnee Branek, sister, Marlene Durman of Beatrice, 4 stepsons, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Steinauer.

Mass of Christian Burial Services  will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska with Father Thomas Wiedel and Father Michael Christensen officiating. 

Interment will be in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team and VFW Post #5289 of Pawnee City.

Memorials may go to the family's choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.  

 Service Information