Friday, February 8, 2019

Obituary Dwayne Joseph Luzum, Sr.

Dwayne Joseph Luzum Sr. was born on February 27,1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska to James and Anna (Suda) Luzum of Milligan, Nebraska. Dwayne passed away in Mesa, Arizona on January 31, 2019 after a very short illness. Dwayne was one of six children in his family.

Dwayne grew up on the family farm west of Milligan, Nebraska. He attended school at District #2 and graduated from Milligan High School with the class of 1958. He served in the US Army from early 1964 to late 1965.

Dwayne was married to Nora Frankforter on March 27,1964. To this union four children were born; Dwayne Jr., Deanna, Dale, and Amanda. On January 19, 1983, Dwayne married Cheryl Styskal Trenary and added two more daughters, Laurie and Rebecca, to the family.

Dwayne spent his life along Turkey Creek where he loved farming the land with brother Jimmy, nephew Jay, and son Dale. Even when it was suggested that he retire from farming completely, he just couldn’t stay away from the planting, irrigating and harvesting, eventually becoming the “Supreme Commander” of the Turkey Creek Mafia harvest crew. He has passed his love of Turkey Creek onto his children and grandchildren. He also passed on his love of sharing by generously providing sweet corn to much of Fillmore County and locations beyond.

Dwayne was involved in all things Milligan. He was a member of the Rural Fire Department and faithfully brought lunch to the regular meetings. He served on the Farmer’s Co-op and Milligan Public School boards. He often served on the military honor guard and was active in the American Legion. Dwayne could be seen at the Milligan Stag parties, washing dishes and helping out. He attended countless weddings, funerals, dances, benefits, card games and just generally loved visiting with people. He could strike up a conversation with a stranger and soon they would be best friends.

Dwayne’s sense of community was reflected in his love of the Milligan and the later combined Exeter-Milligan Public School Districts, which he religiously followed until his passing. He and Cheryl were even recently awarded Timberwolves fans of the year. He was faithfully involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and lives. He was proud of their many successes, achievements, and championships. Dwayne was a doting grandfather and his grandchildren were always on his mind. He would express his love by showing up with treasures for them from auctions and sales. His generosity even extended to opening their home to numerous foreign exchange students.

Dwayne was known throughout the entire county as a man who loved a good auction. He could be seen bidding on good buys and celebrating with some homemade pie or kolaches at the food stand. He loved listening to polka music and playing cards with his good friends at Ron's Tavern. He was a cheerful optimistic man, who loved and celebrated life; that was always evident by his big contagious laugh.

Dwayne loved spending time in Arizona with his wife, Cheryl and the family pet, a dachshund named North. He enjoyed visiting flea markets, garage sales, and just getting away from the cold Nebraska winters.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents James B. and Anna (Suda) Luzum; daughter, Deanna Lyn; brother James (Arlene) Luzum Jr.; sisters Vivian (Bill) DeCamp, Anita Briske, and Jeantte Svec; nephew Jay Luzum; infant niece Kim Luzum; brother-in-law Kenny Kresak; and father and mother-in-law Fritz and Jean Styskal.

Dwayne is survived by his wife, Cheryl Styskal Luzum; sons Dwayne (Shally) Luzum Jr. of Elkhorn and Dale (Tamra) Luzum of Milligan; daughters Amanda (Shawn) Barney of Strang, Laurie (Scott) Glock of Lincoln, Rebecca Nichols of Tempe, Arizona; sister Diane Kresak; brothers-in-law Ron Svec, Ron (Jan) Styskal, and Daryl (Ann) Styskal; grandchildren Alison (Michael) Ulfers, Kate Luzum, Jeff Luzum, Jackie Luzum, Derek Luzum, Hailey Luzum, Trevor Luzum, Elizabeth Ohlde, Kennedy Barney, Aliviah Barney, AJ Barney, Madison Glock, and Miranda Glock; and by many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service for Dwayne was held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Milligan Auditorium. Pastor Jeff Jensen officiated the service. The recorded selections “You’re My Best Friend” and “When I Get Where I’m Going” were played during the service. Special music of “Amazing Grace” was also played on the Cello by Dwayne’s grandson, Jeff Luzum.

Pallbearers for the service included Derek Luzum, Trevor Luzum, Jeff Luzum, Brad Kresak, Steve Briske, Jeff Thomsen, and Jeff Mazza. Honorary pallbearers included AJ Barney, Leonard Sluka, Rich Kassik, Scott DeCamp, Tim DeCamp, Jim Svec, Bob Svec, and Ron Svec, Jr.

Interment was held in the Bohemian National Cemetery following the Funeral Service. The Milligan American Legion HSSK Post 240 performed military Rites.

Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Milligan Fire Department.

No comments: