Rodney S. Kalisek

Gretna:

 Rodney Steven Kalisek was born on February 12, 1955. He passed away after a 23-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Rod is preceded in death by his father, Rynold Kalisek. He is survived by his mother, Wilma Kalisek; his brothers, Bruce (Joyce) Kalisek, Mike Kalisek and Ken Kalisek; his children Katie (Josh) Vogel, David (Amy) Kalisek, Richard Kalisek (Iris Rayburn), and Mary (Alex) Spanel; and four grandchildren.

Growing up in Howells, Nebraska, Rod worked on the family farm and was an amazing athlete. He was Homecoming king of the Howells class of 1973 and helped their basketball team capture the town’s first state championship. Rod was particularly talented at football, setting several state and local records. He was selected as an All-State quarterback his senior year and played in the Shrine Bowl. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, obtaining an engineering degree in Construction Management. Rod was passionate about his career, successfully managing several construction companies that developed property throughout the Midwest.

More than anything in his life, Rod cherished, and was incredibly proud of, his four children, Katie, David, Richard, and Mary. Rod enjoyed coaching all of his children in sports, and loved to hear about his grandkids, Violet, River, June and Robin Vogel. Rod was an active member of his community and church, serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick’s Church. 

Rod was an avid sports fan and passionate about his Nebraska Cornhuskers, Chicago Bears and New York Yankees. He loved nothing more than to have family gather at his house to share a meal and watch a game. Rod was extremely personable and loved to chat and socialize with family and friends. Despite his physical limitations later in life, he was always upbeat and positive. 

A visitation will be at Roeder Mortuary in Gretna from 4:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, August 31, 2023, with a prayer service at 5:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna, with a luncheon to follow. Rod will be laid to rest in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Cemetery in Howells at 3:00 PM.

Roeder Mortuary11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090

www.RoederMortuary.com