Dennis Alois Stastny of rural Dwight, passed away peacefully at Holmes Lake Rehabilitation and Care Center in Lincoln on May 8, 2024, with his wife and family by his side.

He was born on December 27, 1930, with twin brother Daniel, to John and Agnes (Hottovy) Stastny. He grew up in the Dwight area, graduating in 1949, from Dwight Assumption Catholic High School.

Dennis served in the United States Marine Corps from August 1951-1954 in the Korean War as a Sergeant. He was an Expert Rifleman, was in the First Marine division with the 1st Engineer Battalion. His unit constructed a lot of supply and tank roads for the 1st Division up to the M.L.R (Main Line of Resistance). The Chinese allowed two marine dozer operators and some construction personnel to work at the Freedom Village, which was in the Chinese Territory. Dennis was one of the dozer operators and had to get all the work completed in four hours. (Freedom Village is where the Chinese and American Prisoners of War were exchanged).  He was proud to be a Marine and an American Service Man.

After returning from service, he homesteaded a farm near Rupert, Idaho. Dennis toiled the land for three years before marrying the love of his life, Arlene (Hotovy) Stastny at Dwight Assumption Catholic Church on October 3, 1959. They first lived in Lincoln, NE where he worked for Bud Irons operating a caterpillar. Here daughters, Annette, Judy and Joyce were brought to this union. He then worked for Bob Bauer for three years in the Seward area.  After living three years in the city, a farm life, near Dwight, embraced this new family where their fourth daughter, Jane was welcomed to "Spider's Corner." They lived on the farm for 60 plus years.

He was a member of Assumption Parish serving as trustee and volunteering for many events. He was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary. Many years one could find Dennis on the firing squad on Memorial Day in Dwight and surrounding cemeteries saluting the service men that went before him.  He was a proud, active member of the Dwight American Legion Post 110 for 64 years. Dennis was a lifelong member of the KD (Katolicky Delink - Catholic Workman) and a very active member of the community.

Dennis was a humble and caring man who loved being a farmer, hunter, outdoorsman, gardener, the mountains, traveling, and attending his children and grandchildren's events. He is well known for his fishing expertise. Dennis was a 4-H leader for the Plum Creek 4-H Club. What he loved most was God, his family, and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene of 64 years. Daughters: Annette (Curtis) Hammeke of Hays, KS, Judy (Bob) Siedhoff of Crete, NE, Joyce (Lyle) Vrbka and Jane Stastny, all of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren, Fr. Andy Hammeke, Alicia (Kegan) Knight, Nicholas (Olivia) Hammeke, Kara (Tyson) Greenwalt, Matt Siedhoff, Luke (Katie) Siedhoff, Haylee (Tyler) Polak, Jessica (Matt) Roettger, Quentin (Sami) Vrbka and Aaron Vrbka and eight great-grandchildren. A brother, Leonard Stastny and sister-in-law, Connie Hotovy.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes Stastny; brothers, Jack, Emmery (Pat) and Francis (Bea), Dan (Millie); sisters, Bernice (Don) Voboril and Alma Stastny.