Terry Lynn Hrdlicka was born in Crete, Nebraska on August 24, 1962 to Robert and Carol Hrdlicka. Two years later his sister, Gail, completed their family. Terry was a fun-loving, curious, and onery child who loved spending time with his grandparents learning new skills. Terry loved the outdoors and every year his family either took a vacation or went to Canada fishing.

Terry attended Dorchester Public School, and in his teen years was often bored by school. His antics caused many teachers and administrators gray hairs. Terry always loved music and that led him to testing to become a radio DJ. At 14, he took the FCC test and became one of the youngest radio personalities in the United States. He began working part time at KTAP on weekends and went full time at 17, which eventually lead him to become the program director. He was much beloved by the community, especially the older generation who appreciated his weekly polka show. His love of music led to meeting many performers and attending concerts through the years, and he also was the sound engineer for a local band.

Terry met Karen Smith when he was 16 and they spent many hours talking as friends before they began dating. His wide variety of knowledge, shared interests, and a sense of humor made their relationship work from the beginning. At 17, Terry decided working full time was more his style than attending his senior year. However, within 30 days he had finished his GED.

At 18, Terry joined the Army National Guard and attended basic training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He graduated as a demolition engineer. He served in the Corps of Engineers for the National Guard in Crete and Seward and due to restructuring of the Guard he resigned after 8 years.

On May 17, 1986, Terry and Karen married in Crete and shortly after moved to Dorchester for a year before buying their first home in Crete. Around the same time, Terry worked with BJ Fictum in the early years of Emergency Management in Saline County, especially during the summer severe weather season. This reignited Terry's interest in ham radio and he was a lifetime member of the ARRL. Terry worked at Metromail for a couple years then moved on. He began working at Watson-Brickson Lumber as a delivery driver and through his 17 years worked himself up to office manager until the housing market crashed.

On October 7, 1995 Terry and Karen welcomed a baby boy, Jacob, to the family. As Jacob grew, the decision was made to enroll him in a Class One school north of town, Valley View. The year after Jacob enrolled, Terry and Karen purchased an acreage north of Crete. Terry was in his element. The couple remodeled the house together, and Terry enjoyed experimenting with planting popcorn and open pollinating corn. He helped Jacob with his 4-H chickens and rabbits, and often had friends over for target practice and a little demolition now and then. He loved hunting and shooting sports and bonded with his father-in-law, Leroy, when Jacob began trapshooting.

When the legislature began to threaten the existence of the Class One schools, Terry was on the frontline fighting to save the Class One schools across the state. For several years he and his family gathered petition signatures and shared the goals of Class Ones United. Long-lasting friendships were formed within the group that are still in place today.

After leaving the lumberyard, Terry worked various jobs and then essentially retired. He took care of the family's rental properties and repairs around the acreage. Terry loved being outdoors on the farm, taking care of the cats he supposedly didn't like, and being Skylar's best friend. He enjoyed when friends came over to shoot targets and share a few beers. He had a wicked sense of humor and a quick wit. He enjoyed science fiction and western movies. He swore they never made a good movie after John Wayne died.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carol Hrdlicka, his paternal grandparents, Emil and Ida Hrdlicka, his maternal grandparents, Frank and Creola Bruha, and his in-laws, Leroy and Betty Smith.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday at noon at Riverside Cemetery in Crete. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 - 8 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.