Ron D. Czaplewski

Ronald D. “Ron” Czaplewski, 62, of Loup City, died unexpectedly, Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. The Rev. Marty L. Egging will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. vigil service at the church. Peters Funeral Home of Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Czaplewski was born on Nov. 8, 1947, at Loup City, the son of Bernard and Angeline (Mendyk) Czaplewski. He is survived by his wife, Betty of Loup City; two daughters and one son-in-law, Nichole Czaplewski of Los Angeles, CA and Amanda and Joe Weakly of Loup City; four sons and daughters-in-law, Monte and Nicole Czaplewski of Grand Island, Ron Jr. and Denise Czaplewski of Omaha, Justin and Jennifer Czaplewski of Grand Island and Lance and Amanda Czaplewski of Ankeny, Iowa; one sister, Dorothy Wajckus of Fresno, CA; and four brothers and six sisters-in-law, Benjamin and Muritta Czaplewski of Grand Island, Alfred and Marilyn Czaplewski of Lincoln, Anthony and Vonnie Czaplewski of St. Paul, Thomas and Sandy Czaplewski of Lincoln, Loreen Czaplewski and Arvada Czaplewski, both of Grand Island. He is also survived by eight grandchildren. Ron attended St. Josaphat’s parochial school and graduated from Loup City High School in 1966. While he was in high school he played in the “Mid Knights” band. After graduation he attended the Omaha Vo Tech School where he studied mechanics and later returned to Loup City. He worked at Jacob’s Ford and later for Genuine NAPA Auto Parts Store, both in St. Paul. He was married to Crystal Voigt in April 1969 in Loup City. He worked for Tri Valley Equipment in Loup City and later for the Ord Quiz newspaper and in 1985, began working for Ken’s Equipment in Loup City. He was united in marriage to Betty A. Kuligowski on Dec. 26, 1986, in Loup City. In 1987, the couple purchased the Snack Shop & Bakery Café and added the Snack Shop Shirts & More in 1995. He and Betty operated these businesses until his death. He was an excellent businessman and entrepreneur and was very hard working. He will be greatly missed by the community, as well as, his family. Ron was a member of the Loup City Fire Department and EMT’s, National Rifle Association, Nebraska Street Rods Association and was the founder of Czaplewski Brothers Racing. He was a car enthusiast his whole life and enjoyed collecting and working on automobiles. He loved playing the guitar, especially for his grandkids and always put his children and grandchildren first. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Charlotte Dawn Czaplewski on Aug. 25, 1973; and four brothers, Louis, Richard, Robert and James Czaplewski. Memorials are suggested to the Loup City EMT’s or to the donor’s choice.