Jim R. Wardyn

James R. “Jim” Wardyn, 73, of St. Paul, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March, 2, 2013, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Rev. Ray Kosmicki will officiate. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City with graveside military honors by American Legion Post 48 of Loup City. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, at the church, with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is in charge of the arrangements. Mr. Wardyn was born on Feb. 23, 1939, at Loup City, the son of Stanley and Estella (Slominski) Wardyn. He is survived by his wife, Geri of St. Paul; two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Vickie Wardyn of Palmer and Jeff and Brenda Wardyn of Weeping Water; one step-son, Paul Perkins of Kearney; and one step-daughter and her husband, Jaci and Bob Hoefer of Elgin; nine grandchildren, Justin Wardyn, Chelsie Wardyn, Jack Wardyn, Jacob Wardyn, Ben Briggs, Beau Briggs, Lucas Briggs, Krystine and Will Jackson, and Jaime Hoefer; and one brother-in-law, Fred Matulka of Omaha. Jim was raised on the family farm northwest of Loup City. He attended St. Josaphat's Parochial School and Loup City Public School, graduating with the class of 1956. He entered the United States Army, serving from Aug. 1956 to July 1964. He was united in marriage to Adine Johansen on Sept. 2, 1961, at Paplin. The couple lived in the Arcadia, Ashton and Grand Island areas. To this union were born two sons, John and Jeffery. The couple later divorced. Jim farmed in the Arcadia and Ashton areas until 1967, when he took a job with Sperry New Holland as a welder, working his way up to tool design engineer. He worked there until his retirement in 1998. He was united in marriage to Geraldine “Geri” (Kusek) Perkins on Nov. 22, 1997. The couple made their home in the St. Paul area. Jim was an active member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 1918, where he served as Grand Knight for 11 years, American Legion Post 48 of Loup City and the Howard County Farm Bureau. Jim loved dancing, working in the garden, raising cattle, attending church bazaars, going for drives, and his many pets. But his greatest love was his family. He loved to help them with anything, but most of all attending their many activities. Jim was very mechanically inclined, known by his grandkids as a awesome Grandpa that could fix anything from a broken toy to a broken heart. He always knew just what to say or do. He will be truly missed. Memorials are suggested to the Howard County Medical Center or Sts. Peter & Paul New Parish Hall Fund.