Eugene C. "Gene" Grudzinski

Eugene C. “Gene” Grudzinski, 83, of rural Ashton died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at his farm home in Ashton Township. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. The Rev. Marty L. Egging will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 108 of Ashton. Private family inurnment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ashton. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church. Peters Funeral Home of Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Gene was born on Oct. 19, 1926, in the Oak Creek Township near Ashton, the son of Peter and Teckla (Woitaszewski) Grudzinski. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. “Betty” Stobbe on June 21, 1949, at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ashton. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Wayne E. Grudzinski on Oct. 31, 2005. He is survived by wife of 61 years, Betty; four sons and their families, Steve and Sheila Grudzinski of Loup City, Morrie Grudzinski and Deb Wilson of Grand Island, Scott Grudzinski of Ashton and Brian and Kayleen Grudzinski and their daughters, Sydney and Hayley of Rockville; two daughters and their families, Cindy Gappa and Ron Marshall of Ashton and her children and their families, Nick and Lindsay Gappa and Jaymeson and Pat and Amy Gappa and Jake, all of Loup City, Andy Gappa, Candice Gappa and Eli Curry and Reenie Gappa, all of Ashton, and Sophie Grudzinski and her children, Augustus, Josie and Lane Hruby of Loup City; two sisters, Deloris St. Louis of Craig, CO and Aileen Zeleski of Loup City; and one brother, Arnold Grudzinski of Loup City. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Gene received his education at District No. 56 in rural Oak Creek. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Jan 26, 1945 and served his country during World War II having served as a palace guard in Seoul, Korea during the peace talks. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, World War II Victory and Army of Occupation medals. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 4, 1946. Upon his discharge he returned to the family farm. After his marriage to Betty in 1949 the couple made their home on a farm in Oak Creek. Gene was involved in the running of the township and was the main road grader operator for 25 years. He took great pride in getting his friends and neighbors drifted roads open in the winter and to have his graveled roads in tip top shape the rest of the year. Gene loved the land and farming was truly in his blood. He and his sons, Wayne, Steve, Morrie, Scott and Brian farmed in the Oak Creek Township. Upon moving to the Ashton Township and the other sons, leaving to pursue their dreams, he and Scott farmed together until two years ago. Now Scott is continuing his passion for farming and ranching. Gene’s greatest pride and joy was in planting and maintaining his windbreaks. His knowledge and love of trees was unsurpassed. Gene and Betty enjoyed going to polka dances and dancing the night way with family and friends. Gene enjoyed polka music to its fullest. He played his harmonica for his children, grandchildren and to anyone who would listen, even his dogs, Yet and Evil. Never being able to master reading music, he played by ear and also taught himself to play the guitar and also had great success with his dad’s violin. Throughout his life he was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. He was also a 62 year member of the American Legion Post 108 of Ashton. In addition to his son, Wayne, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Zigmund and Lloydie Grudzinski; and his in-law, Anton and Frances (Badura) Stobbe. The family is very appreciative of the care that Gene received from St. Francis Hospice, especially his nurse, Pat Swanson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Food Pantry at the CNCS office in Loup City.