Paul Petska, Sr

Hastings resident, Paul W. Petska, Sr., 80, passed away Monday, October 19, 2009 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital.

Rosary will be Thursday, October 22, 2009; 7:30 P.M. at Butler-Volland Chapel, and Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 23, 2009; 10:30 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church with Father Joseph M. Walsh officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Ord City Cemetery on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 21, 2009; 3:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., Thursday, October 22, 2009; 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. at Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home; and Friday, October 23, 2009, one hour prior to service at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Good Samaritan Village of Hastings, or the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blue Hill, Nebraska.

Paul was born to Stanley and Mary Ann (Adamek) Petska in Ord, Nebraska. He graduated from Ord High School in 1947. After high school he worked on the family farm, the Farmers Store in Ord, and then went to work for Safeway. On June 12, 1951 he married the love of his life, Geneva Benson. He received his orders to report to service the same day and spent three years serving in the Korean War. He was in the U.S. Army from July 3, 1951 until June 11, 1953, and was in basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Paul served as a Surgical Orderly in Germany. A son, Paul Jr., was born while overseas. Upon return from active duty, Paul was employed by Safeway Stores and the couple lived in Ord, Cozad, and Grand Island. Four more children were born, Jack, Cynthia, Kim, and Mark. In 1970, they purchased a grocery store in Blue Hill and ran P & G Market for 18 years. They semi-retired in 1988, managing the X-L Motel in Hastings for three years. Paul then worked part-time for Herbergers until he became ill. Paul truly enjoyed his family along with fishing, hunting, bowling, and especially polka dancing with his wife. After retirement he spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren. Family reunions, special occasions, and holidays with his family were a priority in his life.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cynthia Sue; and three brothers, Richard Petska, LaVerne Petska, and Stan Petska.

Survivors include:
Wife : Geneva Petska - Hastings, NE
Children & Spouses : Paul Petska, Jr. - Hastings, NE
Jack Petska - Blue Hill, NE
Mark & Rita Petska - Blue Hill, NE
Kim & Greg Beam - Fremont, NE
Grandchildren : Amanda Petska
Nathan Petska
Amelia Petska
Brianna Beam
Brennan Beam
Step-Granddaughter : Desiree Pierce - Kansas City, MO
Sisters : Lorene Meese - Ord, NE
Mary Ann Larson - Republican City
Betty Kusek - Boring, OR
Sisters-in-law : Lois Petska - Hershey, NE
Mary Petska - Portland, OR
Many nieces & nephews .