He was the third of six children. He attended Norwood Park Elementary and Northeast High School both in Lincoln. He later earned his GED.
He was married to Donna J. Hansen in 1964 to which two children were born, Lisa and Marc. He married Carol (Cameron) Barnard in 1981. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2021.
He worked at Hill Hatchery, the local Co-op gas station, and National Crane before beginning a lifetime career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber. He worked at Goodyear for 35 years and eight months, retiring on April 1, 2003. While employed with Goodyear, he was a member of the United Steelworks Union Local 286 and served as Union Steward. He served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for Ceresco and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ceresco, and served on the church council. After retirement, he worked part-time for Tyrrell’s Florist and the Thrifty Nickel. Polka music could be heard at their home every Sunday morning. He attended as many events as he could where he could listen to Polka. He enjoyed spending his time at the local car lot and attending car auctions, as well as watching car races. He delighted in his porch time and a cold one, while annoyed at the squirrels eating the bird food. His pride and joy were his kids, grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren. He enjoyed every visit he had with them, whether it was in person or a phone call.
Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Daniel and Richard; sister, Erma Root; brothers-in-law Jerry Root, Gary Lott, Gary Hansen, and Chuck Pliva; sister-in-law Kathy Pliva; grandson-in-law James O’Malley.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, daughter Lisa Kaiser and husband Myron, Ceresco; son Marc Tejral and wife Becky, Pleasant Dale; grandchildren and spouses: Justin (Ana) Kaiser, Odessa, FL; Blaine (Jessica) Kaiser and Kindra (Ricky) Tvrdy, both of Ceresco; Jacob (Maddison) Tejral, Hay Springs; Ryan and Logan Tejral both of Pleasant Dale; great-grandchildren: Lydia and Elyza O’Malley, Ceresco; Izabella Kaiser, Odessa, FL; and Thatcher Tejral, Hay Springs; siblings, Dorothy Lott and Marvin Tejral both of Lincoln, NE; special aunt, Joan Tejral, Flushing, OH; step-children Beth (Harry) Weldon, York; Kevin Barnard, Beaver Crossing; and Jamie (Dave) Martelle, Yuma, CO; step-grandchildren Sarah (Ernie) Price, York; Jacob (Erin) Weldon, Nebraska City; Ivy (Adam) Wallin, Geneva; Olivia and Bailey Barnard, Seward; and Leslie (Eric) Newlin, Olathe, KS; step great-grandchildren: Calvin and Cameron Price; Harper, Lila Jean, Hudson, and Evelyn Weldon; Addison and Leah Wallin; Bradley Kleinert; Rosalie Frazier; Lillian Barnard; Samuel and Joanna Johnson; sisters-in-law Donna Hansen, Mary (James) Wenz; brother-in-law Kenny (Deanna) Boyer; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Pallbearers are his grandchildren: Justin and Blaine Kaiser; Kindra Tvrdy; Jacob, Ryan, and Logan Tejral.
Interment will be at Lincoln Memorial. Lunch, beer, and a gathering will be held at IBEW Local 265, 1409 Old Farm Road, Lincoln immediately following the burial.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday (3-12-22) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Visitation from noon – 5 pm Friday with family greeting friends from 5-7 pm.
Memorials to the family for future designation.
Link to Service Recording: