Melvin G. Woitalewicz

ASHTON – Melvin G. Woitalewicz, 78, of Ashton died Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, at the Seward Memorial Hospital in Seward. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ashton. The Revs. Marty Egging and Ray Kosmicki will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Peters Funeral Home of Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Woitalewicz was born on Oct. 20, 1929, at Loup City, the son of Matt and Mary (Baker) Woitalewicz. He is survived by his wife, Janet of Ashton; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Sue and Jim Rademacher of Loup City, Cindy and Allen Layman of Adams, Sandi and John Mudloff of St. Paul, Chris “Tina” and Neal Dethlefs of St. Paul and Jeri McDonald of Grand Island; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Irene Woitalewicz of Farwell; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Renee and Ralph Wardyn of Loup City and Carol and Bryan Hall of Ravenna. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 8 step-great-grandchildren. Melvin attended country school near Loup City and graduated from the 8th grade at St. Josaphat’s Catholic School in Loup City. He was united in marriage to Janet Skorupa on Sept. 18, 1951, in Paplin. Melvin farmed near Loup City, south of Ashton and north of Paplin for 22 years before moving into Ashton in 1973. He worked for Redman Mobile Homes of Grand Island, Missouri Valley Construction and 21 years with the State of Nebraska Department of Roads, retiring in 2001. He also served on the Ashton Fire Department for 16 years. Melvin enjoyed traveling, woodworking, polka music, dancing, visiting with friends at the Ashton Bar, spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in activities. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Frances Woitalewicz; and one brother-in-law, Larry Bonczynski. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice.