Dr. Gene L. Rizek

Dr. Eugene L. Rizek, DVM-75 of Hebron, NE
Hebron Memorial Funeral Home 330N.5th St
Hebron, NE 68370
402-768-6165
Dr. Eugene (Doe) Rizek the son of Lewis and Clara (Novak) Rizek was born August 5, 1930, on a farm south of Munden, Kansas. He died Saturday, December 10, 2005 at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, NE at the age of 75.
Gene was baptized at St. George's Catholic Church August 24, 1930 in Munden, KS and confirmed at St. Edward's Catholic Church August 2, 1941 in Beliville, KS.
Gene grew up on the farm and attended school in Munden graduating in 1948. Following graduation he attended Kansas State University when he graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a BS in agriculture in 1955. While at the University, he became a member of the AGR Fraternity honorary Blue Key and other societies.
June 10, 1952, Gene and Ellie Lund were married at St. Edwards in Belleville, KS. They made their home in Manhattan, KS until his graduation. In 1953 Connie Sue Rizek arrived, followed by Steven Eugene in 1955, Rebecca Ann in 1958, Amy Lynn in 1959 and John Michael in 1967. Following graduation, he worked for the Barber Veterinary Clinic of Sutton working in Edgar, NE. In the fall of 1955 the family moved to Hebron when he worked for the U.S. Government in Brucellos Division. April of 1956 he was commissioned 2ndLt. in the U.S. Army veterinary corp. He received training in Chicago and San Antonio then was stationed in Pittsburgh, PA. After his discharge in 1958 he worked in Seminole, OK for only a few months before moving to Hebron in February of 1959, where he had his own veterinary practice until retiring in June of 1995. August of 1961, the house on 710 Olive Ave. was purchased from Bill & Kathie Svoboda and his office was in the basement for 2 '/2 years. The clinic where he practiced until retirement, was purchased from Dr. Penry in 1964. He made improvements over the years having one of the first "drive in" facilities in this area. He loved his work with all animals and enjoyed the clients. After retirement he missed seeing all his special friends.
Gene was a member of Sacred Heart Church where he served on several committees, and was 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus, a member of Rotary Club and a past president, Lions Club and Hebron Chamber of Commerce and a member and on the Board of Directors of the American & Nebraska Veterinary Association. Many times he made generous donations to the Knights of Columbus and Fireman's stags. One of his special interests over the years was 4-H. He was a 4-H member during the 40's. He sold one of his 4-H calves at the Wichita, KS cattle show for enough money to provide one year of college. He and Ernest Wiedel helped organize the Town and Country 4-H Club.
Gene's special interests were home, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and their activities, golf, gardening, woodworking, crossword puzzles and the love and compassion of friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents.
Gene is survived by his wife Eleanor, two Sons Steve and wife Dee of Gallatin, MO, John Rizek and Trisha Rizek of Pawnee City, NE, three daughters Connie and
husband Pat O'Hanlon of Hebron, NE, Becky Pharris and husband Bob of Gibbon, NE, Amy Larsen and husband Steve of La Quinta, CA. Grandchildren: Dr. Rachel Fleischacker of Linn Creek, MO, Ben Fleischacker of Kearney, NE, Carley O'Hanlon and Michael O'Hanlon of Omaha, NE, Melissa and husband Jared Blankenship of Gallatin, MO, Jacob Rizek and wife Kim of Liberty, MO, Caleb and Jordan Pharris of Lincoln, NE, Robert Larsen and Elizabeth Larsen of La Quinta, CA, Noah and Nathan Rizek of Lincoln, NE, Great Grandchildren Ashley Carroll, Sarah Blankenship, Gavin Rizek. Two sisters Evelyn Hurley and husband Jim of Belleville, KS, Illene Blazek and husband Gerald of Belleville, KS. Gene wished for some "Special Friends" in his life to be remembered: Judy Gerdes, Russ Priefert, Greg & Sue Pumphrey, and Mark Timmerman, nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.
Gene Rizek's life is being celebrated today!
Funeral services will be held this Tuesday, December 13, 2005, 10:00 am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hebron, NE. Officiant Fr. Rudy Oborny. Organist Brenda Striggow, Cantor-Carlece Kenner. Casket bearers and honoraries are the grandchildren. Congregational hymn "Here I Am Lord", special selection solos "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "On Eagles Wings". Rosary services Monday at 7:00 pm at the church. Visitation Monday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm at Hebron Memorial Funeral Home. Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to Thayer County Health Services, Hebron Country Club, Hebron Fire Department. Hebron Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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