Robert Karel Znamenacek, 88, of Wilber, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society, Beatrice.

Robert was born on May 14,1935 to Karel and Millie (Penkava) Znamenacek on the family farm near Crete. He attended District 3 Country School and graduated from Crete High School in 1954. After graduation he worked as an auto mechanic in Wilber. He was a good mechanic and could fix anything he put his mind to. He also served in the Nebraska National Guard for several years.

He married Shirley Jean Kotas December 1956. To this union were born three children, Denise, Dayle and Delorie.

In 1957 he got into farming and kept doing mechanic work on the side.

He was a member of the Wilber Sportsman Club and Farmer's Union.

He enjoyed Wilber Czech Days and loved polka music. He looked forward to Czech Days every year and loved to attend many of the polka dances in the surrounding area over the years. Robert also enjoyed pulling floats with his red, white and blue Dodge pickup through various area parades to promote Wilber Czech Days. He was a Nebraska Czechs of Wilber Knights of Blanik recipient in 2017.

He is survived by his three children Denise Knuppel (Dale Robert) Fort Collins, Colorado; Dayle Znamenacek, Wilber; and Delorie Kalivoda (Brad), Narka, Kansas; grandchildren Kamden (Anjelica) McChesney, Arlington; and Travis Case, Fremont; and two great grandchildren Lillian McChesney and Zander McChesney.

Robert is survived by brothers and sisters Arlene Kerst of Omaha; Melvin (Carol) Znamenacek, Crete; Lorraine Rerucha, Eugene Znamenacek, all of Loveland, Colorado; Richard (Suzie) Znamenacek, Karel (Linda) Znamenacek, all of Lincoln; Elaine (Marvin) Wheeler, Soldotna, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Luers and brother-in-laws, Gerald Kerst and Larry Rerucha.

Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. A Celebration of Life and burial will be held at a later date.