Ervin Dale Sokolik, 73, passed away at his rural Fairbury, Nebraska home on April 9, 2026.

Ervin was born on December 24, 1952, in Fairbury, Nebraska, to Edwin and Sylvia (Svoboda) Sokolik. He lived the life of a dedicated Nebraska farmer. Rising early each morning, he began tending to farm chores at a young age, caring for chickens, hogs, and cattle. Rain or shine, he worked the land around the home place and the Swanton area, raising milo, corn, and soybeans. He especially enjoyed baling hay. As a boy, he also helped tend the garden, milk cows, haul hay bales, and grind oats.

Ervin graduated from Fairbury High School and spent his entire life farming.

He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle, known for his patience, quick wit, and appreciation for a simple life. Ervin had no need for fancy cars or expensive equipment. He was most comfortable in his overalls, muck boots, and long-sleeve shirts, no matter the weather. He remained deeply rooted in caring for the land—raising crops and livestock, maintaining and repairing machinery, and working side by side for many years with his brother, Delbert.

Ervin valued his relationships with neighbors, many of whom became close friends over the years. Though he never used a cell phone, he made a point to call at least one of them—often his brother Delbert—nearly every day on his landline, simply to check in. Conversations ranged from current events to the price of gas or grain, or just the happenings of the day. He was a great listener who could find the good in nearly any situation, often leaving others with a smile or a chuckle.

He enjoyed attending local events, including the Western Picnic, Czech Days, Husker Harvest Days, the annual Saline Sale, and area farm auctions.

Ervin had a gentle heart, recently shown by his adoption of an abandoned terrier pup that wandered onto his farm. He named him Shadow, and the two became constant companions. Whether watching the morning news, the evening weather, or relaxing in his recliner with programs he picked up using his outdoor antenna, Shadow was always nearby. Ervin made regular trips into Fairbury, visiting Walmart, stopping by the hardware and farm stores for parts, hauling cattle to the local sale barn, and delivering grain to area elevators.

The Sokolik family fondly remembers Ervin’s presence at Christmas Eve gatherings, which also marked his birthday. He cherished this time with family, enjoying a hearty meal—especially his favorite, pumpkin pie—and thoughtfully giving each guest a handwritten Christmas card with a small gift of spending money.

Ervin is survived by his brother, Delbert Sokolik and friend Gwen of Daykin; nephew Richard Sokolik of Byron; niece Angie Howell and husband Carl of Geneva; sister-in-law Janet Fisser and husband Dean of Harbine; nephew Scott Sokolik and wife Erin of Lincoln; niece Heidi Logan and husband Jason of Diller; and niece Becky Sokolik of Lincoln. He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews: Trenton Sokolik (Hayley) and Crystal Sokolik, both of Fairbury; Alexandra Howell and Brennan Sokolik, both of Lincoln; and Cooper, Avery, and Quinn Logan of Diller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Sylvia Sokolik; his brother, Darrel Sokolik; and sister-in-law, Fran Sokolik.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 14, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber, Nebraska. A public graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wilber Czech Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Kuncl Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.