Walter J. "Wally" Valasek Obituary (1948 - 2019)

Walter "Wally" J. Valasek Jr., 70 years of age, passed away at home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Wally was born on October 13, 1948 in Spalding, NE to Walter J. (Sr) and Eva (Trausch) Valasek. He was the oldest of seven children. Wally has lived in Beatrice, NE since 1977. On June 2, 1973, Wally married Barbara Sabalka, and to this union three children were born: Christy, Steve, and Denise. Wally grew up on the family farm near Spalding, NE. He graduated from Spalding Academy in 1966. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1971. Wally worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) for 37 years in Beatrice, Wilbur, Auburn, North Platte and Ord, Nebraska. Wally was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beatrice, NE. Service organizations which Wally belonged and were highly active include: Sertoma Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. Wally's greatest joy was attending his kids and grandkids activities and volunteering for many community activities. Wally was also a lifelong Nebraska Huskers fan and he loved to pheasant hunt. Wally is survived by wife, Barb; daughters Christy (Mark) Schaaf of Beatrice, Denise (Ryan) Bohling of Auburn; and son Steve (Jen) Valasek of Gretna; 11 grandchildren: Hailey, Taylor, Logan, and Cameron Schaaf, Hailey and Joey Kiscoan, Kaden and Cole Valasek, and Emily, Johnny, and August Bohling; brother George (Diane) Valasek of Spalding; sisters Patty (Bob) Esch, Sharon (Ray) Bauer, Shelia (Kris) Louma of Spalding and Janet Valasek of Clay Center; father in law Les Sabalka of Lincoln; sisters in law Liz Gray, Janet Ball of Lincoln, Mary (Bill) Currier of Streetor, Illionis and Maggie Valasek of Spalding; brothers in law Tim (Sabrina) Sabalka of Florida, Dave (Lynn) Sabalka of California and Tom Sabalka of Lincoln; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Walter Valasek Sr.; mother in law, Rosemary Sabalka; brother Donald Valasek; nephew Timothy James (TJ) Sabalka; brother-in-law Sterling (Bud); sister in law Anita Sabalka; and several aunts and uncles. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Robert Barnhill in charge. Interment will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery. The body will lie in state from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 6-7:00, and at the church one hour preceding the funeral. Scriptural prayer service will be at 7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family's choice with the funeral home in charge. Sign Wally's online guest book and view his video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.