Stanley Ralph Smedra, age 86, of North Platte, died August 5, 2013 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.
Stanley was born October 24, 1926 in Boelus, NE to Joseph and Helen (Gorecki) Smedra. He grew up in the Boelus/Rockville area and graduated from Loup City High School in 1944. He entered the US Army in July of 1946 and was discharged in August of 1947. He then worked around the Loup City area until he hired on with the UPRR in North Platte. He retired after 38 years as a conductor. He married Margaret Whelan December 5, 1969; Margaret passed away August 24, 1988. Stanley was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was an avid Nebraska football and baseball fan and was very proud of his nieces and nephews and all their accomplishments.
Stanley is survived by 18 nieces and nephews and their families; and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by Margaret; his parents; infant sister Mary and sister Esther Kusek; brothers Zigmund, Ignatz, John, Ray, Conrad, Alex and Alfred.
Memorials may be made to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday August 9, 2013 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend James Novakowski as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. today and Thursday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.