Bryan W. Bachkora

Bryan W. Bachkora

Bryan W. Bachkora, 88, Hays, died Friday, March 15, 2019 at HaysMed.

He was born August 18, 1930, in Hall County, Nebraska the son of Charles and Lucy (McDonald) Bachkora.  On May 26, 1955 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Nelson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River, Nebraska. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage.  He was an Engineman Third Class (EN3) in the United States Navy serving during the Korean War.  He graduated from Ravenna High School and the University of Nebraska Kearney with a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Industrial Education.  He was a professor at Fort Hays State University in the Industrial Technology Department from 1965 until retiring in 1992.  From 1992 until 2011 he owned and operated Bachkora Builders doing home remodeling and offering unique and custom designs to his customers.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, American Legion, VFW, U.S. Navy LST Association, U.S. Navy LSM Association, and involved with Engaged Encounter for 34 years and Marriage Encounter for ten years.  He was very artistic and creative, enjoyed painting, creating metal sculptures, and woodworking for his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane of the home in Hays, three sons; Charlie Bachkora and wife Patty of Olathe, Kevin Bachkora and wife Laura of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Tom Bachkora and wife Carrie of Overland Park, two daughters; Mary Bachkora of Lee’s Summit, MO and Rose Schaffer and husband Van of Lawrence, a sister; Nancy Ciemnoczowlowski of Wood River, NE, a sister-in-law; Vera Bachkora of Kearney, NE, twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother; Floyd Bachkora and a brother-in-law; Joe Ciemnoczowlowski. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.  Burial with military honors will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Woodriver, Nebraska.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:30 am until 10:15 on Wednesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A combined vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.  Condolences and memories of Bryan may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.    

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