Elmer James Nemec, 95, passed away quietly at the Wilber Care Center on June 4th, 2026, where he was a resident for 7 years. Elmer was born March 12th, 1931, to James and Ida (Tyser) Nemec on a farm Northwest of Wilber, Nebraska, and was the older brother to sisters Mary Ann and Carol Jean. He attended county school District 72 and Turkey Creek County School District 97. He graduated in 1949 from Wilber High School and was the Valedictorian of his class and played baritone in the high school band.

In 1951, Elmer joined the United States Army and was stationed at the Pentagon and served in Heidelberg, Germany as a coder operator assigned to Military Intelligence for intercepting, translating, and decoding enemy communications. Elmer’s tour of duty lasted 8 years, and returned to Crete, Nebraska in 1958.

In 1964, Elmer earned his B.A and M.A. in German Languages and Literature from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He performed baritone in many special UNL brass ensembles, Symphonic Band, and the Cornhusker Marching Band under the direction of Jack R. Snider and Donald Lentz. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, an honor bestowed on candidates who graduate in the top 5% of liberal arts and science degrees.

After UNL graduation, Elmer taught 3 years for the Foreign Language Department at Peru State College. This is when he started playing tuba with the Peru State band. After teaching, he joined his uncle Ed Tyser’s business of painting houses for over 30 years.

Music was the highlight of Elmer’s life. He recorded his own song the “Christmas Cat” which is played on the All-Star Polka Show every Christmas holiday. He was not only talented at playing accordion, baritone, and bass horn, but was also a popular vocalist singing German, Czech, and English polkas and waltzes in recording studios for several polka bands. His version of the “Just Because Polka” and the “Piggy Piggy Polka” were among his signature tunes.

He was a common sub musician for several bands but recorded albums and was a steady member with the following polka bands: Gil Krajnik, Bohemian Aces, Hank Zahourek’s Melody Masters, Moostash Joe, Jim Kucera, Vernon Belik, Sonny Svoboda’s Red Raven Band, Dave Salmons, Happy Czechs, Milligan Czech Brass Band and many more. He traveled with these bands performing throughout Nebraska, Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, Ohio, and Esterhazy Canada. 

In 2001, Elmer was inducted into Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame, 2003 was inducted into the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in Milligan, Nebraska, and received the Dr. Vladmir Kucera Award in 2020 from Nebraska Czechs Inc.

Elmer shared his talents in many communities by singing and playing with Elmer Pomajzl calling themselves “The Two Elmers” entertaining for care centers and hospitals. He did the same as a participating member of the Elmer + 4. His character was described through his acts of service as humble, caring, and dedicated. The Two Elmers would play taps for military services for funerals with Elmer Nemec on the baritone playing the echo part.

From 1977-1984, Elmer hosted as a DJ on the Crete radio station KTAP 103.9 FM and continued to do the show when it changed to KBVB (Blue Valley Broadcasting) in 1986. He continued for an additional two years until 1988 as a DJ and cohosted with Jim Kucera. Elmer served as DJ for the Doane University KDNE 91.9 FM radio show. He cohosted the Doane radio show with Sue Placek. Elmer sang in the local male glee club called the Cretonians under the direction of Doane Professor George H. Aller performing for radio and across the state. He played baritone in the Crete Community Band under the direction of Bob Palensky and Dr. Jay Gilbert. Music was Elmer’s life and he was proud of his Czech heritage and how his ancestors came from Vysoke Myto and Ceske Budějovice, capital of Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents James and Ida, sister Carol Jean, brother-n-laws James North and Ray Likens. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Likens of Fallbrook California, and nephews Ricky (Hilda) Likens and Russell (Laura) Likens of Oceanside, California, cousins and many friends.

Services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Czech vests or attire is encouraged. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to services. Interment will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.