Harry Joseph Walahoski of rural Elyria passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha after a very short and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 71. His final days were spent surrounded by his wife, children and close friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord, Nebraska. Father Scott Harter and Father Mark Maresh will be the Mass Celebrants. Private Family Interment will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Church. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. In celebration of Harry’s life well lived, honor him by wearing bright colors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice to be designated to Harry’s favorite organizations. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
Harry was born on February 9, 1954, to Ted and Margaret (Conrad) Walahoski in Ord, Nebraska. He graduated from Ord High School and joined his father in operating a multi-generation family farm west of Elyria, Nebraska.
On September 7, 1974, he was united in marriage to Tena Sanders at the Boleszyn Catholic Church near Elyria. They were introduced by a friend at a camp out in “Doggett’s Canyon” and celebrated 50 years together in September of 2024. Together they raised three children and were blessed with a wonderful network of friends, extended family and colleagues.
Harry’s greatest loves in life were his family; his land and he had a profound passion for agriculture which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was proud to continue farming on land homesteaded more than 140 years ago which received the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Family Award in 1984. He also had long careers with the Burwell Livestock Market and Wolf Auction Inc. where many of his colleagues and clients grew to become his closest friends. He was always available to answer a call day or night and hearing his voice on the other end of the line is one of the things his family and friends will miss most.
Harry lived his life with the mantra that “daylight is burning” and was always certain there was more to do. He was often the first to arrive and the last to leave and he raised his family to know the value of service to his community. He was an active member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member. He was the current president of Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District and most notably he was an avid supporter of 4-H and FFA. He served multiple terms on the Extension Board and the Loup Valley Ag Society and had a deep love for the county fair. He will be greatly missed standing ringside holding the halters at the Valley County, Dawson County and Nebraska State Fair.
Harry is survived by his wife, Tena; two sons, Jared (Kris) of Overton and Joel of Lincoln and one daughter, Jill (Rick) Lingard of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, Spencer, Parker, Paige, Megan and Grant Walahoski of Overton, Barrett and Lillianne Walahoski of Lincoln and Taylor Sorensen and fiancé, Ryan Kitzleman of Lincoln; a sister, Bev (Chuck) Smedra of Ord and a brother, Jim Walahoski of Ord.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Margaret Walahoski.
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