Ronald E. Chadek, 78, of Prague, NE, entered into eternal rest Monday, June 22, 2015, at Saunders Medical Center in Wahoo, NE, with his loving family by his side.

Ron was born on December 7, 1936 to Rudy and Lydia (Semrad) Chadek in Prague. Growing up, he helped on the family farm and worked at Wernsman Service Station. He attended grade school at St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Prague High School in 1955. As a Panther, Ron played first base on the only state championship team in Prague history. On May 28, 1957 he married the love of his life, Dolores Vanek, in Prague. Following their marriage Ron and Dolores lived and farmed west of Prague for over 40 years, raising their four children. In the spring of 1993, the couple moved into town to the home that spoiled 8 grandchildren and hosted countless holidays, special occasions, and whenever grandma made kolaches and dill gravy. After retiring from farming, Ron worked for the Natural Resource District maintaining Czechland Lake, and cleaned the Bank of Prague for over 20 years.

Ron’s interests included watching professional baseball, Nebraska Cornhuskers, fishing, mushroom hunting, umpiring, gardening his oversized garden, gambling, playing bingo, cleaning, manicuring his yard, and documenting every detail he experienced in life on small pieces of paper. He was known for caring for others before himself, often times worrying more than necessary. Above all he was known for his passion and love of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports, activities, and achievements. He traveled all over the state, and the Midwest cheering on his family’s sports teams, critiquing officials, and recording every time, score, and statistic.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores Chadek; children, Lori Kuncl of Prague, Gail Benesch of Columbus, NE, Terry and Kathy Chadek of Shelby, NE, Debi and John Wade of Prague; grandchildren, Kendra and Eric Gomez, Kelsey Kuncl and fiancé Nick Foehlinger, Kristen Chadek, Kyle Benesch, Shelby Wade, Cody Chadek, Morgan Benesch, Colin Wade; sister, Darlene and Louis Kavan; sisters-in-law, Georgia Vyhlidal, and Marlene and Jim Fujan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Alexandria Benesch; and son-in-law, Bill Kuncl.