In 1958 Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving active duty until 1960, and having been assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.He then served in the reserves, but due to the Berlin Crisis was called up again to active duty (shortly after getting married), serving in Fort Carson, Colorado, from 1961-62.
Bill was married to Dorothy M. Codr on February 7, 1961, and God blessed their union with five children: two daughters, Diane and Jean Marie, who died in infancy, two adopted sons, Duane and Kenneth, and a third daughter, Joann, who also died in infancy.When first married, Bill and Dottie lived in north Omaha for a short time before the military sent them to Colorado.After that, they lived briefly in Venice, Nebraska, before raising their family in Bellevue, having lived there now for over 54 years.
Bill's vocation was in manufacturing/production work, and he worked for the same company his entire career – a business which changed its name from Western Electric to AT+T to Lucent.He retired in November of 1991.
Bill was a good husband, father, and grandfather, and he enjoyed being with his family and friends.He was proud of his Czech heritage, and loved listening to Czech music.He was known by his constant smile and his generosity to others.That smile will be missed!
Bill's hobbies and interests included farm shows and farm equipment (especially tractors), flea markets, auctions, and collecting pocket watch fobs.
He passed away in the morning of October 14th of this year, and God blessed him with 83 years, 10 months, and 5 days of a full and fruitful life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bessie Pokorny;an infant brother, George;a sister, Georgia; and his own three infant daughters, Diane, Jean Marie, and JoAnn.
Bill is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Dorothy;his son Duane and wife Kathy, of Bellevue;second son Ken and wife Gina of Omaha;granddaughters Medesta and Jamie;great-grandchildren Jase and Olivia;and numerous nieces and nephews.
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