PLACEK, James Charles

James Charles Placek Sep 28, 1918 – Mar 6, 2015 Born in Valparaiso, Nebraska, James “Jim” Placek completed the eighth grade and went on to farm land in Saunders County, Nebraska, between Morse Bluff and Prague. On September 22, 1942, he married Helen Ester Wesely in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. Jim and Helen were the proud parents of three children: Dennis, Dorothy, and Patricia. Dennis passed away in 2002 at the early age of 58. In 1958 Jim and Helen moved to Omaha, near 31st and Seward Streets. He worked for Builders Supply for a few years before going to work building windows for Ashton Wholesale, where he eventually became foreman of the window shop. In the mid-1960s, while still at Ashton Wholesale, he built a new home in Green Meadows near 140th and Blondo Streets. After retiring from Ashton Wholesale in September of 1983, Jim worked in his shop at home, producing a variety of wood projects, mostly made of oak, including dog houses, miniature tables and chairs, full size baby cradles, golf ball racks, and hundreds of other miscellaneous items. Jim took great pride in all his projects, and until his later years, he participated in several boutiques around the city, displaying his craftsmanship and winning many ribbons at the county fair. Jim loved to grow all kinds of flowers and maintained a large garden. He produced an abundance of vegetables, allowing Helen to can multiple quarts and still have ample leftovers to share with family and friends. During his younger years, while on the farm, he loved fishing and duck hunting. Later, he looked forward to meeting friends and neighbors at Hy-Vee for coffee once or twice a week. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed playing cards with friends, neighbors and family members, and he loved watching “Lawrence Welk” and “Dancing with the Stars” on television. Jim fell at home on October 10, 2014. After spending a few days at Lakeside Hospital, he went to Old Mill Rehab for a couple of months before entering Brookestone Village on December 15, 2014. It was there that Jim passed away on March 6, 2015. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Helen Ester Placek; daughters, Dottie Halsey (Donald) and Patty Poltack (John); nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 10th, from 5pm to 7pm, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at the West Center Chapel. VISITATION begins Wednesday, March 11th at 9:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30am at the church. Interment, Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials will be directed by the family.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900

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