Gerald A. Hruza

          Gerald A. (Jerry) Hruza, 84, of St. Paul died Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul.

          Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul.  Fathers Ray Kosmicki and James Janovec will officiate.  Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul with military honors by Carl Mogensen American Legion Post #119 of St. Paul.

          Visitation will be held on Monday, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the church with a vigil service to be held at 7:00 p.m.

          Memorials are suggested to Carl Mogensen American Legion Post #119 in St. Paul or the Howard County Historical Society.

          Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul is in charge of the arrangements.

          Mr. Hruza was born August 7, 1932 in Chapman to Alois J. and Marie (Vogel) Hruza.

          As a young child, he moved with his family to several places in central Nebraska before settling near the Grand Island Airport.  He worked at the airport shining shoes for servicemen leaving through the airport.

          The family then moved to a farm south of St. Paul.  Jerry attended rural school at District 76 south of St. Paul.  He then attended St. Paul Schools where he graduated in 1950.  Jerry was very athletic in school, especially basketball, a sport he continued to play.

          After his schooling, he was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad working as a brakeman along with other duties.

          Jerry entered the United States Navy on October 8, 1953.  He served on the USS Hancock.  He received his discharge on August 4, 1955.  Jerry then served in the Reserves for several years.

          After returning home Jerry attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln on the Ag Campus.  Jerry worked at the Dairy Store on campus and at the original Valentino’s Pizza.

          He was united in marriage to Janet L. Rohman On December 28, 1957 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul.

          Jerry worked for Allied Chemical for 10 years selling fertilizer in Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa.

          He and Janet then began farming, which they did for the rest of their lives.

          Jerry did have some challenging times, being hit by a car when he was a child and being run over by a tractor and drill in June 1969.

          Jerry was very active in the American Legion, arranging funeral honor guards for many years.  He taught CYO at the church, volunteered for church bingo, he sang for many funerals and weddings and he was generous with his time, helping people whenever the need arose.

          Jerry and Janet loved to dance.  Jerry enjoyed playing cards, going to casinos, chocolate peanuts and cigars.

          Jerry was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, lifetime member of the Carl Mogensen American Legion Post #119, Howard County Historical Society, all of St. Paul.  He was a past Howard County Commissioner and served on the Hall County Mental Health Board.

          Survivors include his wife, Janet of St. Paul; a son and daughter-in-law, Eric A. and Stacee A. Hruza of Plymouth, MN; a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly C. and Todd E. Kuenle of Kearney; four grandchildren, Austin P. Kuenle, Rachel A. Hruza, Charisse M. Kuenle and Elizabeth M. Hruza; a brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Joan Hruza of Lincoln; and a sister, Noelle Hruza of Morse Bluff, NE.

          He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Don Hruza.

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