Albin Mazanec

Albin John Mazanec, 96, of Colby, died Monday, July 10, 2017, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby. He was born August 2, 1920, in Brainard, NE, to Adolph and Hedvika “Hattie” (Kobza) Mazanec. He graduated from Colby High School and then joined the United States Navy, serving from 1942-1945. After his service, he purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle to return home. He worked for a time in the aircraft industry in Wichita, KS before purchasing his childhood home North of Colby, to begin farming. August 17, 1950, he married Loretta Laverenz, in Colby. They built their own home, beginning with just a basement, finishing the main level as time would allow. Albin was a hard worker, highly curious and always learning. He enjoyed mechanics, photography, and carpentry and it seemed there was nothing he couldn’t make or fix. He was devoted to his family and his faith. His devout love of God was perhaps his greatest legacy. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Colby American Legion.

Albin was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; parents; grandchildren, Robin and Stuart Mazanec; brothers, Jim and Raymond and sister Sally Sievert.

He is survived by his children, Albin Jr (Geri), Marienthal, KS, Rita (John) Simons, Marienthal, Jerome (Jean), Colby, Janice (Steve) Baker, Marienthal, Vic (Brenda), Colby, Donna (Chuck) Harmison, Dighton, KS, Leon (Pam), Larkspur, CO and John (Jennifer), Colby; sisters, Helen Horinek, Colby and Sister Rita Ann Mazanec, Concordia; sister-in-law Josephine Mazanec, of Hays; twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.

Visitation is 4-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 14, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Church, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.