Mr. Neil R. Mariska

Neil Robert Mariska was born April 4, 1943 to Robert and Leonore (Fritz) Mariska in Fairbury, NE. The oldest of three children and he passed away on June 16, 2016 at the Crete Tabitha Care Center at the age of 73 years and 73 days.Neil was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Western, NE. and attended the rural school District # 11 in Pleasant Hill, NE. He graduated from Crete High School in 1961. On May 23, 1964 Neil married Shirley (Burianek) at the Grace United Methodist Church in Crete. To the union two children were born Darrin and Denee. In 1978, Neil purchased Forst Plumbing and Heating after managing it for 8 years. Neil operated the business for twenty years until his health prevented him from working full time. Neil was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and was active in the Methodist Men’s Club. He was a member of the Crete Jaycees, Crete Chamber of Commerce and the Crete Lion’s Club. He served as the Cub Scout Pack #212 Coordinator for many years. He always had a love of farm toys and was an original member of the Blue River Valley Farm Toy Collectors. He collected and repaired toys as well as antiques for many people. Neil is survived by his wife of 52 years Shirley, son Darrin and his wife Shauna of Centennial, CO, daughter Denee and husband Brian Wehrs of Lincoln as well as by his grandchildren Taylor and Kade Wehrs of Lincoln and Bradley, Nathanael and Jordan of Centennial, CO. and by his father Robert Mariska of Crete, and brother Brian Mariska and wife Sharon of Lincoln. Neil was preceded in death by his mother Leonore and brother Jack. Neil’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete. Burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorials to Grace United Methodist Men’s Club