SYLVESTER PATOCKA

Sylvester George “Lester” Patocka, 77, of Lake Andes,SD

Sylvester George “Lester Patocka was born August 8,1943 in Lake Andes, the son of John and Bertha (Aarhus) Patocka. He died Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner.

Lester attended country school and during his first year of high school was pulled out of school to take over the farm after his father’s injury. He joined the US Navy at age 17. Lester served from 1960 to 1966 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic on an attack squadron. He served on the USS Tionderoga and USS Constellation as well as other ships. He was stationed at Midway Island for one year and the remainder of his service he was a trouble shooter on the airplanes on the aircraft carriers, with numerous seamen assigned under him. While stationed on the west coast, the crew was flown to the east coast without any explanation, later realizing it was due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was also aboard ship when the US officially started bombing Vietnam.

After returning home from Vietnam, Lester worked at Ruben Huber’s filling station. He worked for Huber and Koenig Plumbing & Heating followed by working as a deputy for Sheriff McCabe and Sheriff Huber. He bought the farm and ranch from his parents and brothers. Later, to support the farm he became the Water and Street Superintendent for the City of Lake Andes, earning numerous water licenses. He became the Charles Mix County VA Service Officer for 18 years until he retired at the age of 65.

Lester was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the Masons, the VFW and American Legion, serving as Commander for many years.

Lester will be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing, especially elk hunting in northern Colorado in the wilderness area, where he and friends would pack in on horseback. He was especially proud of his 8 x 8 and 6 x 6 elk. Lester also loved to travel, including a 9000 plus mile trip to Alaska.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Joan Wehrbein Patocka of Lake Andes, brother Alfred (Jenette) Patocka of Sioux City, IA and their children: Anita (Ron) Bruekelman and family and Lynette (Ben) Swanson and family; brother William DenAlta) Patocka of Scotland and their children: Rebecca (Andrew) Vitek and family, Emily (Chad) Peterson and family, Stephanie (Kris) Barringer, and Hilary (Ephron) Poyer and family; and brother-in-law Gene (Judy) Wehrbein and family of Plattsmouth, NE.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, Lester was cremated and memorial services willbe held at a later date. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Plattsmouth, NE, with military honors. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.