Laddie Hulinsky, 89, of Burwell, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Valley County Health System Hospital in Ord, Nebraska.
Born on February 29, 1936, to Edward and Katherine (Bruha) Hulinsky. Laddie grew up on the family homestead in the Bohemian Alps south of Burwell obtaining strong work ethic and deep connection to the land. He attended country school through eighth grade and continued working on the family farm for several years. As a young man, he and his cousins ventured to Colorado, where they worked in the orchards picking fruit.
In 1958, Laddie was inducted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country for two years. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to Burwell and began his career at the Burwell Butter Factory. On August 22, 1965, he married Carolyn Reineke at the Burwell Methodist Church. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
Laddie worked at the Butter Factory until its closure in 1974. He then lived and farmed in Loup County for 15 years, worked at Loup Valley Alfalfa maintaining the plant for 30 years and lent his skills to Hulinsky Electric. Laddie also served on the Burwell Butter Factory Board and was a proud member of Z.C.B.J. Lodge #112.
In 1982, he established an apple orchard in Burwell, where he and Carolyn made their permanent home in 1987.
On December 17, 1976, Laddie trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, guided by the words of 1 John 1:7. He remained in fellowship at the Burwell Gospel Hall until his passing.
Known as a man and father who could engineer and fix anything, Laddie enjoyed working with his hands, listening to polka music and restoring John Deere tractors. He loved taking care of his apple orchard, playing accordions, spending time in the shop with friends, and most importantly being with family. Some of his fondest memories were watching his grandchildren play with his dog named Skippy and hunting with his grandsons.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn Hulinsky of Burwell; daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Craig Groothuis of Nashua, IA; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Hope Hulinsky of Overland Park, KS, and Daryl and Michelle Hulinsky of Burwell; nine grandchildren, Moriah & Micaiah Groothuis of Nashua, IA; Ian & Hannah Hulinsky of Overland Park, KS; Brandon, Hailey, Kylie, Jordan & Adelise Hulinsky of Burwell; two great-grandchildren, Mason and Brylee; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Helen Hulinsky of Burwell and Bob and Jennie Hulinsky of Ord; sisters, Helen Bower of Burwell and Evelyn Stevens of Ord; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Emmanuel and Jerry Hulinsky; and brother-in-law, Bernard Bower.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Still Waters Funeral Parlor in Burwell, with Pastors Tom Stickfort and David Reiss officiating. Interment will follow at Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell. Military Honors will be presented by the Clifford Clark American Legion Post #298. Visitation will be held on Saturday beginning at 1:30 p.m. until service time. Memorials are suggested to the Clifford Clark American Legion Post #298. Still Waters Funeral Parlor is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.stillwatersfuneralparlor.com
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