Adrian F. “Herb” Szwanek, age 88, of North Platte passed away January 27, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.
Herb was born on September 16, 1930 in Cotesfield, NE to James and Lizzie (Duester) Szwanek.
Herb graduated from Elba High School in 1949. He worked for farmers; and then the railroad for a short time before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1950. After being discharged, he went back to the Union Pacific Railroad as a signalman, then transferring to the Maintenance of Way department as a crane operator. Herb married Mary Anderson on August 23, 1958 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arnold. He retired from the railroad September 30, 1992.
Herb was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and a member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He loved his yard, full of peonies, rose bushes, and a garden. He enjoyed the outdoors and mechanic work and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of North Platte; children, David (Mary) Szwanek, Kirk (Pam) Szwanek all of North Platte, Jeff (Robin) Szwanek of Lincoln, and Rod (Lori) Szwanek of Omaha; brothers, Frank (Mildred) Szwanek of Mullen, and Ed Szwanek of Evanston, WY; sisters, Verna Nabity of Sacramento, Ca, Katherine Kyhn, Sylvia Chelewski both of Grand Island, and Rose Marie “Rosie” (Paul) Kilian of Omaha; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Shirley Szwanek; brothers-in-law, Leo Nabity, Ron Chelewski, and Monty Kyhn; and a step-grandson, Robbie Mills.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund or to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Service will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Matthew Nash as celebrant. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.