David A. Vojtech

David A. Vojtech

November 7, 1929 – November 1, 2021

Preceded in death by wife, Marian; parents, James and Alice; brother, Leon; sister, Carol.  Survived by sister, Janice (John); sons: Kenneth (Pam), Robert (Colleen), and Jeffrey (Patricia); eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; seven step grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, and friends.

David was born on the family farm in Morse Bluff, Nebraska on November 7, 1929. Just to the north, across the Platte River, David was raised and grew up on his parents’ farmstead a few miles north of North Bend, Nebraska. Dave graduated from North Bend High School in 1947. He worked for the telephone company as a lineman. In 1948 Dave finished studies at Electronic Radio Television Institute in Omaha.

On June 25, 1949, he married the love of his life, Marian Peterson. They made residence in Scribner, Nebraska, then later moved into Holy Ghost Parish in South Omaha and Dave began his 34-year career at the Western Electric Plant on 120^th and Center Street. In 1960 Dave and Marian moved to Ralston where they raised their three sons.

From farmer to engineer, Dave quietly demonstrated the importance of hard work and perseverance. The lesson taught was: You have to work for whatever it is you want to attain. While at Western Electric, during his lunch hour, he joined a makeshift band, playing his trumpet—this continued until recently. Dave and Marian joined a singing group from work and for 35 years sang together, bringing joy to people in nursing homes around the Omaha area. He enjoyed the “old tunes” for the rest of his life, singing them from memory even to his last days.

Dave loved his family. The lesson he exemplified was unconditional love: God/faith first, and love your family members no matter what happens in life. Along with his morning devotional, David drove to daily Mass for as long as he could; when that was no longer possible, he watched church on television. Weekend and Christmas trips to North Bend to visit his parents and Fremont to see his grandfather were commonplace.

David taught his children many life lessons by example. He was so kind to everyone he met, often beginning with a simple “hi” and continuing on parting with “nice talking with you”…no one a stranger.  Dave was active in the Ralston community coaching youth baseball and golfing in the St. Gerald golf league and with dear friends or whomever wanted to shoot a round.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. Maintaining and repairing cars was a Saturday activity when needed.  His handyman skills were somewhat creative (some jerry-rigging), yet durable. David was very involved at St. Gerald Church, where he and Marian made many lifelong friends. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Dave was a loving and devoted husband to Marian. When she was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s, he took care of her at home for about eight to nine years. He would dress her, put on her makeup and earrings, and take her places to walk to stimulate her mind, in addition to all the caregiving needs in between. He missed her every day since she went home to be with the Lord.

David will be so deeply missed. Thank you, Lord, for this honorable, respectful, loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.

VISITATION: Friday, Nov. 19^th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, Nov. 20^th at 10am at St. Gerald Lakeview Chapel, 7859 Lakeview St. in Ralston.  Interment, Westlawn-Hillcrest, followed by luncheon at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 9602 “Q” St. in Ralston.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Gerald Catholic Church or Josie Harper Hospice House.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.