Alfred Dean Penkava, age 95, of Beatrice, Nebraska, was born to Frank and Antonie Rose (Vetrovsky), on May 8, 1928 in Pawnee County.  He spent his early grade school years west of Pawnee City and graduated from the 8th grade at District #49 Hill Crest, north of Table Rock.

After knowing each other most of their growing up years, Alfred and Erma Jean Kalina were united in marriage on October 5, 1952, at the Falls City Methodist Church.  During their married lives, they lived in the Table Rock area until they made their move to Beatrice in 2011, where they made a comfy apartment their final home.  They celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary with a small gathering before Erma’s passing in 2022.  He was a very dedicated, devoted husband who honored his marriage vows.

Alfred and his brother, Elmer, worked together at the Soil Conservation in Richardson County doing dozer work for some time.  He then enlisted in the Army on January 28, 1955 and was discharged January 25, 1957.  He was stationed in San Francisco, California, where he and Erma made their home during that time.  In the Army, he was trained on heavy, deafening weapons; thus, the reason for his hearing impairment.  He was so proud to have served his country and took his patriotism to heart, which carried on long after his tour of duty as he faithfully flew the American flag daily at his home.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, he chose his career in soil work.  In his early years, Alfred worked a short period of time for Everett Minchow, the Wittwer Brothers, and Ideker.  For several years, he worked for Bob Moser Construction in Pawnee City, after which he worked for Hahn Construction, Inc. in Johnson, Nebraska for eight years.  After his retirement from Hahn Construction, Inc. in 1990, he continued working for them part-time.  Running big equipment was a job he truly enjoyed and excelled at.

He made friends easily and he and Erma enjoyed many Moostash Joe bus tours after retirement, along with numerous dances and trips to the casinos.

As was his deep desire, Alfred passed away in his home on April 30, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Erma Jean; his parents; his in-laws Rudolph and Mary Kalina; brothers and wives Vic (Frances), Frank (Grace), Jerry (Oliva), Lester (Agnes), Ed (Delores), Elmer (Dorothy); sisters and husbands Emilie (Louis Hubka), Millie (Karl Znamenacek), Irene (Art Blecha), Helen (Ernie Hoemann); sister-in-law Elsie Wenzbauer (Lawrence); and brother-in-law Marvin “Pud” Kalina (Twila).

Alfred is survived by his sister, Elma Lee Buchholz, of Table Rock; many nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Czech Cemetery east of Table Rock, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.  Register book available for signing on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Inurnment at Czech Cemetery.  Memorials to the Czech Cemetery, Table Rock, Nebraska. Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com. Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.