Gerald M. "Jerry" Spilinek

Dec. 14, 1930 - June 26, 2009

Gerald Spilinek, 78, died Friday, June 26, 2009, at his home in McCook.

He was born Dec. 14, 1930, in Elba to Anton and Esther Spilinek. He attended school at Elba and graduated from Elba High School in 1948.

Gerald served our country in the Army during the Korean War from Aug. 6, 1952 to July 20, 1954. He returned home to help with the family farm.

He married Roberta Schmidt on June 21, 1955, at St. Paul. He attended Barber College in Lincoln in 1961, and was a barber in McCook for 39 years, owning Jerry's Barber Shop. He was also a co-owner of A&W Drive Inn and Frosty Mug.

Jerry played baseball with the St. Paul, Elba and Grand Island City Leagues for many years. After moving to McCook, he managed Little League Baseball for many years. He was a great Husker and Bison fan and loved to play cards. His greatest joy in life was his children and grandchildren.

Jerry was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and served as Grand Knight from 1971 to 1972, for the Knights of Columbus, and was a member for 47 years with an Honorary Life Membership. He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Anton and Esther Spilinek; step-father, Ed Matousek; infant twin sister, Geraldine; a brother, Ralph; brother-in-law, Robert Noden; and sisters-in-law, Angela Arehart and husband, Leonard, Rosella Arehart and husband, Lester and Marjorie Schmidt.

Survivors include his wife, Roberta of McCook, one daughter, Karen and significant other, Gary King of Frankfort, Kan.; four sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald Jr. and Cindy of Wichita, Kan., Anton and Beverly of McCook, Wayne and Mia of Douglas, Wyo., and Thomas of Kearney; 10 grandchildren, Mary, Kaitlyn, Sterling, Kayla Stone, Abagayle, Jonathon, Melisa, Gerald III (Morgan) and Saylor; a sister, Rosella Noden of Grand Island; a brother, Dale and wife, Sally of Hastings; sister-in-law, Ruth Spilinek of St. Paul; brothers-in-law, Michael Schmidt of St. Paul, Leonard Schmidt and wife, Mary of Rawlins, Wyo.; and step-sister, Fern Neilson and husband, Gaylord of Grand Island.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Knights of Columbus Corp. and/or the McCook Little League Baseball Association.

Visitation will be today until time of rosary at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. The family will be present to greet friends from 4 pm until 6 p.m. Friends and family may also leave condolences on-line at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Rosary will be today at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at St. Patrick's Church in McCook with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in McCook with military honors by the VFW.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.