Edward Voda

Edward Voda

Sept. 27, 1930 - Sept. 23, 2013

OGALLALA, Nebraska -- Edward Voda, age 82, of Ogallala, passed away Monday evening, Sept. 23, 2013, at the Green Acres Care Center in Amboy, Illinois.

Edward was born Sept. 27, 1930, in Wauneta, Nebraska, son of Adolf and Bertha (Tepley) Voda. After graduating from Wauneta High School in 1949, he received a scholarship to attend the University of Nebraska and played football.

Ed enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 served until 1954. During his time in the Air Force, Ed met Rosemary Krapfl, a registered nurse, in Denver, Colorado. They married in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, on May 20, 1953 and in 1954 had their first son, Mark, at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas.

After Ed's discharge from the Air Force, the couple settled on a farm near Wauneta, Nebraska, and had two additional children (Deb and Doug). The family moved to Ogallala when their children were of school age and Ed took a position working for an electronic's component company. During Ed's career, the firm transferred him to McCook, Guadalajara (Mexico), Sao Paolo (Brazil) and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. They transferred back to Ogallala and Ed continued employment, retiring in 1998. Ed enjoyed his close friends from Ogallala and home improvement projects.

Ed was a member of St. Lukes Catholic Church and the American Legion and served on the Honor Guard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosemary; a daughter, Mary Ellen; three sisters, Marcela, Cecilia, and Fran; and a grandson, Craig.

Survivors include children, Mark Voda of Ogallala, Deb (Paul) Mellen of Dixon, Illinois, Doug (Kathy) Voda of Sanford, Florida; four grandchildren, Holly (Derek) Dillon of Bradenton, Florida, Joe (Brooke) Voda of Topton, Pennsylvania, Heather (Kendall) Jones of Missoula, Montana and Jocelyn Mellen of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Hailee.

The visitation was Sunday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home. The Rosary and wake Service was Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Luke's Catholic Church. Father Bryan Ernest was the Celebrant. Interment will be Monday at 2 p.m. CDT, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, with military honors by Keith County Veterans Organization.

A memorial has been established to Green Acres Healthcare, 15 West Wasson Rd., Amboy, Ill., 61310.

Online condolences may be sent to www.drauckerfuneralhome.com.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.