Byron William Homolka was born June 28, 1928 at his home west of Wilber to William K. and Sylvia (Jelinek) Homolka. He passed away on June 18, 2019 at the Wilber Care Center surrounded by family. Byron learned to farm from working beside his dad, which when he was a young boy they farmed the land with horses. Later, his dad bought their very first tractor, an "H" which was quite a step forward. Byron attended country school to the 8th grade at District #84, where he was taught by his sister Camille. He graduated from Wilber High School with the Class of 1945. Byron joined the U.S. Army, March 21, 1951, earning the rank of Corporal, during the Korean War. He went to basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO and was then moved to Incheon, South Korea and assigned to the front line near the 38th parallel. He served in the 23rd Infantry Regiment, Co. "K". Byron received several medals and was very proud of his Combat Infantry Badge. Through the devastation and destruction of the war, Byron found peace and comfort in the daily letters he received from his love back home, Dorothy. Byron was honorably discharged on December 22, 1952 at Camp Atterbury, IN. After returning home, he married Dorothy M. Kohout on May 25, 1954. They made their home on a farm west of Wilber and had three daughters, Sharon, Debbie and Vicki. Byron always felt a great sense of satisfaction and pride, as a farmer, and truly loved the land, loved his cattle and most of all, loved having his wife, Dorothy, beside him every step of the way.  Byron was a life-long member of the ZCBJ Saline Center Lodge, a member of the Wilber American Legion Post #101, a member of the Wilber United Methodist Church, a member of the Knights of Pythias and he served on the District #78 Country School Board for several years. Byron was very honored to receive the certificate for Soil and Water Conservation Steward of the land, which was presented by the State of Nebraska. He also received the Pioneer Farm Award which recognizes family's whose land has been in the family for at least 100 years. Byron was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy, who passed away, April 10, 2015. His parents William K. and Sylvia Homolka, sister Darlene Homolka, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stan and Shirley Kohout and Elmer and Arlene Kohout and brother-in-law, Joe Formanek. Byron is survived by his sister, Camille Formanek, sister and brother-in-law, Shirley Jean and Gene Litten. Daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and David Niemeyer of Cortland, Debbie Spanyers of Dorchester and Vicki and David Nielsen of Lincoln; grandchildren and spouses, Matthew and Lacey Niemeyer of Cortland, Brandon and Jenny Niemeyer of Cortland, Morgan and Ben Roth of Milford, Erica and John Gross of Waverly and Taylor, Jordan and Connor Nielsen, all of Lincoln. Great grandchildren, Brecken, Kasen and Bristyl Niemeyer and Ellee and Malia Roth, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Saturday, Kuncl Funeral Home, Wilber. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday, 3:30 – 7:30 PM; family will greet friends from 6 – 7:30.  Visitation will continue on Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM.