Lawrence A. “Larry” Herek

Lawrence A. “Larry” Herek

January 19, 1947-March 28, 2023  

Retired from Union Pacific Railroad.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; brothers, Bill (Ann) and Ray (Barb); sisters, Marilyn LaMantia and Elaine (Ray) Myers; brothers-in-law: Bob (Norma) Todd and John Todd; sister-in-law, Zita Flemmer; nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation: Sunday, April 2nd, 3pm, with a Wake at 5pm at the West Center Chapel.

Funeral: Monday, April 3rd, 12noon at West Center Chapel.

Interment Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials directed by the family.

Lawrence A. “Larry” Herek, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 19, 1947, to William and Eulalia. He was the second of five children—brother to: William Jr., Marilyn, Elaine, and Raymond.

Larry attended Immaculate Conception Church and grade school. He attended South High School where he took every available trade class offered: drafting, woodworking, plumbing, electrical and mechanical, HVAC, and sheet metal. He graduated from South in 1965.

After graduation, he worked at Lozier and, later, at Omaha Steel where he learned to weld and became certified. When he applied at Union Pacific for a welding position in 1970, he was hired on the spot. That job began his railroad career, and he eventually transferred to the Signal Department, covering Nebraska and Wyoming. He traveled every week. The last phase of his Union Pacific career was working in Council Bluffs at the former icehouse, where he rebuilt circuit boards while attending Metro Tech Community College taking math classes that would help him with the circuit board technology. He retired from Union Pacific in 2007.

Larry brought this same passion for learning and self-enrichment into his personal life. He was an audiophile, photographer, carpenter, traveler, marksman, golfer, car buff, DIY wiz, and many things besides. To each of these endeavors, he brought the lasting zeal and curiosity of a true craftsman, not the passing energy of a dilettante. For Larry, whatever the project, less than perfect was not acceptable.

In his relationships, Larry drew people to himself with his kindness, generosity, and (occasionally salty) sense of humor. He met Rita Todd at St. Joseph Hospital where they worked together in their late teens. They married on May 18, 1968, beginning a deep, rich, and decades-long marriage which sustained him all the way to the end.  They enjoyed traveling to Estes Park, CO, and to Sacramento, CA. They also took many other trips, and one especially favorite destination was Alaska. Larry always hoped he would be able to return there one day.

His other relationships were marked by the same warmth and steadfastness. He was a good and loyal friend, a fiercely devoted brother, and a charming, funny uncle. He was a favorite among his many nieces and nephews—and, later, his grand-nieces and grand-nephews—whose laughter and adoration filled the room when he was there. Larry had a special talent for coloring Easter eggs with the kids (ask Elaine for details).

A short biography such as this is insufficient for honoring the true breadth of the man himself. The memories and impressions that he left with the people he cared for—and who cared for him—are the most fitting remembrance of a man who spread himself widely.

He will be forever missed and loved always.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; brothers, Bill (Ann) and Ray (Barb); sisters, Marilyn LaMantia and Elaine (Ray) Myers; brothers-in-law: Bob (Norma) Todd and John Todd; sister-in-law, Zita Flemmer; nieces, nephews and friends.