December 31, 1926 – October 27, 2011
Joseph Francis Ruzicka was born to Joseph and Marie Ruzicka in Omaha, NE on December 31, 1926. He went to Bancroft and Park Avenue Grade Schools and graduated from Tech High School in December 1944. He joined the Navy on December 27, 1944 for two years. In 1946 he worked for Miller Knuth Mfg Co as a machine apprentice. He was drafted in the Army during the Korean conflict and served on the Island of Kyushu, Japan. After the war he went to Omaha University for two years where he took drafting. Also, he worked for Northern Natural Gas Company, Leo A. Daly, DLR and HDR Architectural Firms. He retired from Leo A Daly in 1991.
He was a 66 year member of the Sokol Organization. At age 5 he began taking gymnastics at Sokol Hall on 13th and Martha where his father was the manager. As he grew older he would walk to his classes from his home across from Hanscom Park.
Joe was married to Caroline (Reher) Johnson on October 1, 1983 at Bethel Lutheran Church and was step-father to Terri Peeters, (Rene’) Dallas, TX, Lawrence Johnson (Margee) Greeley, CO, and Sandra Brodersen, Omaha, NE. He is grandfather to Caroline Peeters, Matthew Bantin-Johnson, Tylor Bantin-Johnson, Trevor Bantin-Johnson, Noah Brodersen, and Hunter Brodersen and great-grandfather to Olivia Bantin-Johnson.
Joe and his wife traveled to the Czech Republic and there met his relatives and a fellow worker, Jan Talcko with whom he worked at Leo A Daly. They also traveled to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. He was a member of the Polka Lovers Club of Omaha and the Polka Lovers Klub of America (PoL. K. of A.) where he went on many bus trips to Polka Festivals throughout the Midwest. He was also Prince and King of the PoL. K. of A. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, photography and dancing.
Surviving him is his wife and family and his sister Vera Ruzicka of Scappose, OR and other relatives.
Cards may be sent to Caroline at:
Mrs. Caroline Ruzicka
5013 Castelar St
Omaha, NE 68106-3146
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