Edward Vapenik

At approximately 1:00 A.M. on the morning of December 4, 2024 after nearly 98 years on earth, Edward Vapenik left his mortal body and the pain that accompanied it and went home. Home to meet his Lord and Savior, Home to be reconnected with his Father who raised him and his mother who passed when he was only 4 years old. Home to join his 3 brothers and Home to reunite with his daughter-in-law Roni. 

Ed was born on December 19, 1926 in Hayes County, NE from his early years he enjoyed playing baseball. As a young adult he played baseball on a variety of town teams which is where he met the love of his life AnnaBelle Vlasin. The two were married on November 29, 1952 and between baseball games and Polka dances, the couple had four children, Martin, Kathryn, Nancy and Gerald.

Ed was no stranger to hard work, and he knew he had a duty to pass that ethic onto his children. He spent 24 years working for the Wauneta Coop, while tending to his farm and cattle. After retirement, he worked at the Imperial Auction Market and became interested in auctioneering, so after 60 and with only an 8th grade education, he attended the Iowa Auctioneer School and earned a degree. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, AnnaBelle Vapenik of Wauneta, son, Marty Vapenik of Cozad, NE, daughter, Kathryn (Gerald) Repass of Hayes Center, NE, Nancy (Rick) Malcolm of Wauneta, NE and son, Gerald (Kristy) Vapenik of Wauneta, NE; 11 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

The final and most gracious gift Ed gave to his family was his enduring faith, which he lived and modeled so well, even to the very end. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10 from 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. (MT) at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wauneta followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 P.M. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, December 11, at 10:00 A.M. (MT) at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wauneta with Fr. Gary Brethour celebrating. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, NE. 

Memorial Contribution may be made to AnnaBelle for a designation later. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta entrusted with arrangements