Stan Vrbas

Stanley R. Vrbas

Aug. 3, 1926 - Dec. 22, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — Stanley R. Vrbas, age 95, a former resident of Stratton and McCook, passed away at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home in Imperial, Neb., on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021.

Stan was born in Stratton, Neb., on Aug. 3, 1926, to Stanley Martin and Albina (Chvatal) Vrbas. Stan and his siblings, Don, Dorothy, and Jan, grew up in Southwest Nebraska, where they attended school in Stratton and he graduated from high school in 1943.

Stan was inducted into the United States Army on Nov. 13, 1945, and served as a clerk typist at Fort Logan, Colo., Fort Lewis, Wash., and Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 22, 1946.

Not long after he left the military service, in 1949, Stan began a long career in construction when he took part in the building of the Trenton Dam near Trenton, Neb. His work in this field would span 15 years and took him to South America, Africa, New Zealand, and much of the western United States.

In 1966, Stanley returned to Southwest Nebraska, where he lived on the family farm south of Stratton and started his second career as a farmer and rancher.

He met Nadine Nothnagel in McCook in 1970 and on Dec. 27, 1972, the two were united in marriage at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in McCook. Stan and Nadine made a life together on the state line south of Stratton, where they farmed and raised cattle. Stan also settled into a new role as stepfather to sons, Bill and Mike Nothnagel.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and stepson, Mike Nothnagel.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine of McCook; stepson, Bill Nothnagel and wife, Linda Thieben of McCook; step-daughter-in-law, Darlene Nothnagel of McCook; grandchildren, Destiny Waterman and Shanna (Jeff) Schulz; and great-grandson, Benjamin Walter.

Cremation was chosen and graveside memorial services will be at 2 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 3, 2021, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton with Pastor Lisa Mensinger officiating.

 Memorials are suggested to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church of McCook in Stan’s name.  Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.