Gene Tommy Sladek Sr. was born in a rural farmhouse outside of Wilber,
Nebraska to Tom and Anna (Kubicek) Sladek. After his birth, his family
moved to Crete Nebraska. Only knowing the Czech language, Gene had
to learn English. His childhood was not easy, but he grew up and
graduated from Crete Public Schools in 1958.
Gene met and soon married Janice Cerveny on July 3rd, 1963. With a child
on the way and farming difficulties, he was forced to abandon the farm and
work in town. Gene started as a janitor and bus driver before becoming a
mechanic for Wilber-Clatonia Public Schools. Eventually, he started
working for the Crete Public schools as a janitor. He drove bus and after
30 plus years of public school service he finished his career as the
mechanic. Gene was a self-taught man a true jack of all trades. He
learned through hands on experiences and no formal education.
His true love was of the farm, growing things as his gardens would become
his pride and joy. He prided himself with his tobacco growing efforts, drying
and chewing. Gene was a simple hard working man, who loved being
unconventional, experimental and never cared what others thought of him
or his ideas.
He was a true Czech beer drinker who loved riding his Harley's, listening to
polkas, rock and roll and "cruising". After 53 years of marriage and death
of his wife, Janice, Gene was heartbroken and never truly recovered. A
short battle with the flu and then pneumonia, Gene passed on Friday
February 23, 2018 at the age of 78.
He leaves behind five children: Gene Jr. (Robin) Sladek of Crete, Dale
(Faith) Sladek of Crete, Carla (Chris) Hansmeyer of Hallam, Amy (Alan)
Kvasnicka of Wilber and Jennifer (special friend Edward) of Beatrice. He
has 14 grandchildren Justin Sladek, Nevin, Jonis, Logan, and Dalena
Sladek, Kayla Jones and Arianna Fitzgerald, Bailey and Kaytlin
Hansmeyer, Taylor Sladek and Cheyenne, Trevor, Austin and Keith
Kvasnicka. Two great grandchildren, Conley and Royce Claus and man's
best friend his little dog, Big John.

Preceded in death by his wife Janice, parents Tom and Anna, stepfather
Melvin Vejraska, Aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday March 1st at Kuncl funeral home, Crete. Family visitation will be held Wednesday from 5-7pm.
Cremation following services and private family burial at a later date. The
family request casual attire. In lieu of flowers, memorials are in care of the family.
Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete is handling arrangements.