Joe F. Chmelka Sr., 93 of Cedar Bluffs, NE, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Saunders Care Center in Wahoo, NE. He was born in Prague, NE on May 3, 1921 to Frank and Christina (Mach) Chmelka. He attended country school district 106 near Prague. Joe started farming with his father until he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and he served until 1945.

As a sergeant in the 35th Division, 216 Field Artillery, he landed in Normandy on Omaha Beach. He earned 5 battle stars, a Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and European Theatre of Operation Ribbon for Battle of the Bulge. After he was honorable discharged, Joe returned to farming and on June 29, 1948 he was married to Geraldine Jonas at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fremont. Besides farming he worked for Crow’s Seed Corn Company and Bachand and Krumel Grain elevators. He enjoyed his family, Czech music, and playing cards. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Colon, the American Legion Post # 232 in Malmo, and the VFW Post #4502 in Wahoo.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Geraldine; sons, Gary (Gloria) Chmelka of Lincoln, David (Michelle) Chmelka of Seymour, WI, and Joe Jr. (Leslie) Chmelka of Cedar Bluffs, NE; daughters, Sandi (Michael) Prokash of Green Bay, WI, Salli (Dan) Kemerling of Wahoo, and Ann (Richard) Styskal of Lincoln; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Leonard (Shirley) Chmelka; sisters, Helen Douglas, Gladys Cihal, and Darlene Chmelka; many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amber Styskal; parents; brothers, Frank, Raymond, and Richard Chmelka; sister, Clara Warner.