Joseph B. Kobza was born November 12, 1935 in Ulysses, NE to Joseph J. and Adella A. (Divis) Kobza and passed away on April 18, 2016 in Springfield, MO at the age of 80 years.  Joseph, known by everyone as Joe, was a 1953 graduate of Ulysses High School in Ulysses, Nebraska. He excelled in football, basketball and track and field where he won the All-Class Gold Medal in the Class D discus in 1953.  He attended the University of Nebraska and was a member of the Husker football team until he was called home to take over the family business.

Joe was united in marriage to Rita M. Hotovy on June 18, 1957 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses.  To this union, four children were born; Sue, Marty, Lynne and Kris.  In his early years he and Rita owned and operated Joe's Market and Butcher Shop in Ulysses as well as serving as the Chief of the Ulysses Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. In 1970, he and Rita moved to Schuyler, NE where he worked for 31 years as a USDA Federal Meat Inspector. He was a progressive advocate in the communities in which he lived until he and Rita retired in 2001 to Table Rock Lake in Lampe, MO.

As a dedicated family man and accomplished athlete, he shared his enthusiasm of athletics by coaching, mentoring and supporting his children, grandchildren and other young athletes. By selflessly sharing his passionate knowledge, he encouraged young people to pursue the best versions of themselves.He taught us the meaning of integrity, respect for others and kindness. His priority was always his family and there was never any question of that.

In their later years, Joe and Rita, who were best friends since their teen years, enjoyed traveling in their 5th wheel, visiting their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends speckled around the country. When returning to their home-base, they settled into a serene life of boating, gardening and taking in local entertainment.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Joseph J. and mother Della Kobza and his daughter Lynne M. (Kobza) Wilke.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita; his children, Sue and husband Andy Long of Hebron, NE; Marty of Houston, TX; Kris of Raleigh NC; grandchildren, Chelse and Brett Newcomb, Shelby Schultz, Cody Long, Zane and Andi Linder, Sydnee Wilke; great-granddaughters, Pailee and Crosby Newcomb; siblings, Bernard and Dorothy Kobza, Seward, Robert and Jane Kobza, Columbus, Mary Ellen and Art Dobesh, Seward; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Joe's family would like to thank you all for your love and support and for appreciating the legacy of this man that we loved and admired so much. He was…

Our Love,

Our Strength,

Our Hero