Richard Jehorek

Richard Jehorek, 68, of Sun City, Ariz. and formerly of Brule, died Thursday, March 27, 2014 in his home after a nine year battle with cancer. Richard was born November 27, 1945 in Ogallala, the son of Leo and Lucille (Coyner) Jehorek. He attended Brule elementary school and Brule High School. Richard was a member of the Brule Huskies football team and part of the 1962 SPVA (So. Platte Valley Association) Championship Team and continued to be an avid football fan. In 1963 he joined the US Navy, receiving basic training in San Diego, CA, along with studying for his Radioman classification. He then was stationed aboard the USS Putnam, DD 757 Destroyer which was in port in Norfolk, VA Richard served as a Radioman his entire tour on the USS Putman. During that time the ship made several Mediterranean cruises to places including Spain, Italy, France, Cuba, St. Thomas, and the Rock of Gibraltar. He received the National Defense Service Medal. On March 30, 1966 Richard married Jennifer Sichitano. The couple lived in Norfolk, VA until Richard was discharged in November 1966 and then they moved to Braddock, PA where he worked for Westinghouse Electric as an electrician apprentice. In early 1968 they moved to Brule to help his father on the family dairy farm. In 1970 the couple moved to North Platte and Richard attended Mid Plains Community College and received an Associate's Degree in Electronics. He also worked with his brother Leon at Western International learning more about automotive and diesel repair. While in North Platte, the couple also owned and operated the North Platte Pet Center. In 1972 they moved back to Ogallala. Richard, for the next five years, worked as the service writer for what was then Schultz Ford. In 1977 Richard and his brother Leon started their own business, namely, Big Mac Diesel. Richard continued to work until 2011. The business still continues to be an operating shop. Richard and Jennifer enjoyed their home at Lake McConaughy and started another business called Lakeview Trees. The couple planted over 3000 pine seedlings and nurtured them to full size trees. Richard especially liked the families coming to choose a special Christmas tree for their homes. He was a member of St. Lukes Catholic Church, the VFW, Elks, and Moose Clubs. Richard was also active on the Brule Fire Board. His hobbies included fishing, boating, gardening, and raising beef cattle. He rekindled his love of oil and watercolor painting when he was a member of the North Platte Painting Princesses Group which was sponsored by the Callahan Cancer Center. In October 2013 the Jehoreks sold their lake home and moved to Sun City to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Preceding him in death was his son Christopher, daughter Mary, his parents, and brother Larry. Survivors include his wife Jennifer of Sun City, AZ; two sons: Jeff (Dawn) Jehorek and Tom Jehorek; one daughter Susie (Breydyn) Owings; and four grandchildren: Hunter & Noah Jehorek and Logan & Zack Owings, all of Arizona. Three sisters: Pauline (Dean) Fiefield of Madera, CA., Caroline (Francis) Moes of Green Bay, WI., and Francie (David) Claus of Douglas, WY; Eight brothers: Leon (Lois) of Paxton, Tom (special friend Danni Wolford), Robert (Theresa), and Bill (Kristy), all of Ogallala; Steve (Karen) of Brule; Marty (Janie) of Lincoln; David (Kathy) of LasVegas, NV.; and Edward (Tiffany) of Longview, TX. A sister-in-law Dorothy Jehorek of Ogallala. Also many nieces and nephews. Cremation was chosen. The family will be available to greet friends at the guest book signing at Draucker Funeral Home on Thursday, April 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. The Rosary & Wake Service will follow at 6:30 p.m. in St. Lukes Catholic Church. The Memorial Mass will be Friday, April 11, at 10 a.m. in St. Lukes Catholic Church with Rev. Bryan Ernest the Celebrant and Rev. J. Edward Jehorek assisting. Military Honors will be rendered by the Keith County Veterans Organization. A memorial has been established in his name. Cards may be sent to Jennifer Jehorek, 11021 West Oraibi Drive, Sun City, AZ, 85373.

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