James "Gary" Vejvoda, 74, of Grand Island, NE, died Sunday, December 24, 2017, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, December 29, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Martin L. Egging will be the celebrant. Inurnment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, December 28, 2017, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Gary was born June 15, 1943, in Lynch, NE. He was the son of Edward and Grace (Welch) Vejvoda. Survivors of the immediate family include his children: Joe (Kris) Vejvoda of LaVista, NE Sonya (Michael) Vetick of Kearney, NE Lisa (Brian) Parizek of Omaha, NE Sister-in-law, Patrick's widow; Shelley Vejvoda of Omaha, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Ashley, Eric, Sophie, Katie, Sidney, Emma, Madeline, Lucy, Carson, Caden, and Max. Gary grew up in Grand Island graduating from Grand Island Central Catholic in 1961. He entered the U.S. Navy on June 14, 1961, serving until his honorable discharge on March 23, 1964. Gary married Patricia Placke on June 29, 1963, in Grand Island, NE. They lived in Grand Island where Gary was a life underwriter for Lenners Insurance Co., later owning and operating Heartland Insurance. Patty died April 29, 1998. He was a member, and past Board of Directors, of the YMCA, an avid golfer, enjoyed flying, and was involved in AA since 1984. He was a past member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, at the time of his death he was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Grace, wife, Patty, son, Patrick, and brother, Bill. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family's choice. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Gary's obituary. Visitation

Thursday, December 28, 2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Curran Funeral Chapel 3005 South Locust Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801

Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m.

Vigil Service

Thursday, December 28, 2017 6:00 PM

Curran Funeral Chapel 3005 South Locust Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, December 29, 2017 10:00 AM

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 518 West State Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801