Denis Placek, 92, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, May 21, 10:00 A.M. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Del Lape celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with prayers at 7:00 P.M. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 - 10:00 A.M. at the church.

Denis was born September 4, 1923, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Joseph and Mary (Smolen) Placek. He grew up in Columbus and graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1941. On February 20, 1943, Denis entered the U.S. Army and served during WWII. He was honorably discharged on February 9, 1946. He returned to Columbus and on June 21, 1949, was united in marriage to Elaine Borowiak. Denis worked for Roberts Dairy, the Schuyler Packing Plant, and then for First National Bank. Denis never considered it work at the bank, but rather getting to spend time with his extended family which he truly enjoyed. He spent a lot of time at Tweets Sports Shop where he liked to visit with everyone, and even if you never knew Denis when you went in, he knew all about you when you left. He was an incredible story teller who could recite random knowledge and facts. He poured over every article from the daily newspapers. Denis never passed up a chance to go duck hunting. He was the kindest and sweetest man who loved his wife, 3 sons, grandchildren, and great grandson. His love of Polka music was known to all. He was the longest member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, and very proud of that. He will be missed by many, but knowing he is reunited with his wife Elaine, brings comfort to all.

Denis is survived by:
Son: Vince (Donna) Placek of Manhattan, KS
Son: Dave Placek of Columbus, NE
Son: Myron (Beth Ann) Placek of Omaha, NE
Grandchildren: Jeff (Angie) Placek
Brian Placek
Andrew (Michelle) Placek
Mark Placek
Mallory Placek
Great Grandchildren: Joe Placek


Denis was preceded in death by:
Wife: Elaine Placek
Parents: Joseph & Mary Placek
Brothers: Frank, Walter, Dr. Louis, and Fr. Edmund Placek