Edwin James “Jim” Holechek, 83, of Lincoln passed away June 24, 2021. Born February 26, 1938, in Omaha, NE to Edwin and Joy (Christensen) Holechek. Jim grew up in Farwell, Nebraska where he was active in all high school sports. He attended Hastings College and transferred to Kearney State College where he graduated in 1961. In 1960, while attending Kearney, he married Judy Fuerstenau of Grand Island. Shortly after graduating, Jim and Judy both got jobs in Sidney, Nebraska and Jim started coaching wrestling as an assistant coach. In 1962, Jim and Judy had their first child, Leslie Anne Holechek. In 1963 he started the wrestling program at Albion High School, at the young age of 25. In 1964, Jim and Judy had their second child, Anthony James “Tony” Holechek. The following year Jim led his team to the State Champion title. While still living in Albion, Jim and Judy had their third child, Christopher William Holechek, in 1967. In 1969 Jim was hired to coach wrestling and teach English at Lincoln East High School, where he led that team to the State Championship title in 1970. He then focused solely on AP English after his retirement from coaching in 1980. Jim continued to teach for another 26 years before retiring in 2006. Following retirement, he was a volunteer at Lincoln Literacy. He also loved to travel and spend time at the dog run with his “good buddy” Papi.
Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; sons Tony (Shelli) Holechek, Bristol, TN and Chris Holechek, San Marcos, TX; son-in-law Bo Day; grandchildren Corey (Jessica) Day, Andy (Madeline) Day, Samantha (Billy) Sonnemaker, Jayson, Cassidy, Jessica, Ryan, and Emily Holechek; great-grandchildren Dax and Ryne Day; sisters Betti Seay, Greeley, CO and Judy Hellwege, Grand Island, NE; nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and daughter Leslie.
A Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday (7-2-21) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Memorials may be given to Lincoln Literacy, 745 S. 9th, Lincoln, NE 68508.
No Visitation/Cremation
If you know Jim, come to the reception.