Roland W. Placek, 84, of DeWitt, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at the Wilber Care Center on August 4, 2026.

Roland was born on May 27, 1942, on the family farm west of Swanton, Nebraska, to Joe and Alice (Belohlavy) Placek. He grew up in the Swanton and Wilber area and graduated from Wilber High School in 1960.

Roland was drafted into the United States Army in 1964 and honorably discharged in 1966. He proudly served his country in Vietnam as a Radio Operator and Support Systems Specialist.

Following his military service, Roland drove a semi for Crete-Wilber Freight for several years before returning to the family tradition of farming. He spent many years working the land, taking great pride in providing for his family through hard work and dedication.

Roland married Linda (Krajnik) Kastanek in 1966, and together they welcomed five sons: Ryan, Russell, Jason, Jeremy, and Keith. They later divorced in 1988.

In 1994, Roland married Jean (Schuerman) Wattjes, and together they made their home in DeWitt. They shared a love of traveling, exploring many parts of the world together, and never passed up the opportunity to stop at a casino every now and then. Roland was known for his discipline—even at the casino, he would only take $20 with him.

Roland wasn't one to seek the spotlight. Instead, he showed his love through hard work, quiet generosity, and a willingness to help others. He was known for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and ornery sense of humor. As a young father, he enjoyed bowling in a league, taking classes at Southeast Community College, and spending Saturday nights at local polka dances. At home, he made life fun, often challenging his boys to spirited "All Star Wrestling" matches or an occasional basketball game in the big yard. He taught his sons the importance of hard work, respect, and good manners, and each one carried a special nickname given by their dad. Whether a neighboring farmer was ill or away from home, Roland was always willing to lend a hand with chores or fieldwork, asking little in return except maybe a nice cold PBR.

Roland is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his sons, Ryan and special friend Barb Mock of Papillion, Russell and wife Mary of Wilber, Jeremy and wife Jackie of DeWitt, and Keith and wife Kristine of Eagle; daughter-in-law Jessica of Crete; stepdaughter Suzie Hinzman and husband Ron of DeWitt; grandchildren Brissa and husband Jeremy, Brittany and husband Calvin, Megan and husband Ethan, Makayla, Colton, Kyler, Evelyn, Joseph, Sylvia, and Isaiah; great-grandchildren Jordyn, Lucas, and Arlo; his brother Eugene and wife Mary Anne; sisters-in-law Kathy and Janet; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason; his parents, Joe and Alice Placek; and his brothers, Delbert, James, Marvin, Donald, Gary, and Kenneth, his twin brother who died at birth.

Roland will be remembered for his service to his country, his years behind the wheel of a semi, and his dedication to farming. More importantly, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who showed his love not through grand gestures, but through a lifetime of hard work, steadfast support, and unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on through the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will continue to cherish his memory.

He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In accordance with Roland's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A public graveside service with military honors will be held at the Wilber Czech Cemetery Saturday August 29th at 11:00 am with a Luncheon to follow at the Wilber Legion.

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.