Herman “Herm” Pokorny, 88, passed away surrounded by his family at his home at Scotia, Nebraska on October 15, 2025.
Herm was born on December 23, 1936, to Joe and Eileen (Liberski) Pokorny in a sod house in Garfield County. He attended a country school in Holt County and graduated from the eighth grade. At the young age of ten, he could hitch his own team of horses. He worked alongside his dad for many local ranchers in Garfield and Valley counties. Herm learned butchering skills from his father, which later earned him a job at Cetak’s Meat Market in Ord, where he was employed for ten years.
Herm was drafted into the military, not long after meeting the love of his life, Alice “Rose” Flock, at the well-known watermelon patch her family ran. Their love grew through letters exchanged while Herm was deployed in the Korean War.
During his time in the Army, Herm held many responsibilities, but one story he often shared was about training military dogs. His natural patience and talent for working with animals continued throughout his life, as he later trained many loyal hunting dogs back home.
When Herm returned from his deployment, he married the girl who had once caught his eye across the watermelon patch. They were married for 52 years until her passing in October 2018. Together, they built a life and raised four children, making their home in Scotia, Nebraska. In his free time, he enjoyed coyote hunting with family and good friends. He loved taking his family for picnics on the Cedar River, where he would spear carp.
Their acreage in Scotia was the perfect place for Herm to live out his passion for homesteading. He raised beef cattle, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, hunting dogs, and a small dairy herd. He always did his best to have some type of baby animal around for the kids to enjoy, and plenty of garden goods for Rose to cook. The milk from Herm’s Dairy was distributed to a cheese plant in Ravenna, but what truly brought Herm joy were the local customers who came by for his fresh cream and eggs.
In July of 1975, Herm opened his own business, “Herm’s Custom Plant,” where he perfected the best breakfast sausage recipe. Over the years, his products reached tables across the nation. The custom plant gave Herm the opportunity to work side-by-side with his family — something he deeply cherished. Herm continued to work and take pride in his craft for 50 years.
In more recent years, Herm found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of everyday life. He cherished visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, savoring the laughter and energy they brought to his home. He was always grateful for the “pretty tasty” meals prepared by Dena and Dan, and he never passed up a good drive by his childhood home or the familiar countryside he knew so well.
Herm loved cheering on his grandchildren and took quiet pride in watching the next generations grow. And, true to form, he faithfully kept tabs on unfamiliar cars that drove by the house “way too fast” each day.
Herm is survived by his children: Timothy (Shelly) Pokorny of North Loup, NE, Dena (Donald) Roy, Scotia, NE, Daniel (Maureen) Pokorny of Scotia, NE, and Janet (Brent) Boettcher of Ord, NE; his grandchildren: Kloreace (Jordan) Linke, Asper Pokorny, Avey Pokorny, Kanna (Stephen Robinson) Pokorny, Kayzen Pokorny, William Pokorny, Raynea Pokorny, Ceara Franke, Seth Cunningham, Jonathon Cunningham, Dustanna (Elliott) Mencl, Mercedes (Travis) Hargreaves, Shantelle (Alexander) Mendoza, Katriona (Cole) Koenig, Austin (Chessa Corbin) Warner, Trigger Pokorny, Bo Pokorny, Madison (Morghan) Koepke, Sam Boettcher, Jed Boettcher, and Ellie Boettcher; along with 16 great-grandchildren; his siblings; Dorothy Dexter, Liz Little, Foster Pokorny, Linda (Randy) Homan, Dennis (Karen) Pokorny, and Steve (Susan) Pokorny; in-laws; George “Ron” Flock, Phyllis Flock and Jim Witherwax; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose (Flock) Pokorny; his parents, Joe and Eileen (Liberski) Pokorny; siblings, Richard (Thelma) Pokorny, Ralph Pokorny, infant sister, Barbara; Parents-in-law; Bill and Freda (Conner) Flock; in-laws; Lawrence Dexter, Toni Pokorny, Dr. William “Dean” Flock, Louese (Decklyn) Nelson, Marlene Witherwax, Katherine Flock, Dixie Flock, and infant Mary Lou Flock
Herm will be remembered for his strong work ethic, photographic memory, his quiet humor, and his steadfast love for family. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a perfectly seasoned sausage, Herm left an imprint on everyone who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Ord. Pastors Walter Nelson and Cary Nelson will officiate. Interment will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Scotia, Nebraska. Military Honors will be presented by the Reuben Beck American Legion Post #150. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice.
Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
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