- Date Of Birth: March 17, 1947
- Date Of Death: February 3, 2017
- State: Nebraska
Jay was born March 17, 1947, in Columbus, Nebraska to Emil Sr. and Edna (Shober) Hledik. He graduated from Stanton High School in 1966, and then served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 where he earned 2 purple hearts that he received during the Vietnam War. Jay married Diane Peterson on May 25, 1969 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Plainview and they lived in Columbus for 2 years before settling in and raising a family in Norfolk. Jay was an extremely hard worker that took a lot of pride in working for Midwest Bridge, Lockwood (Harvest Grow/Valley) Irrigation, Beef America, and finally retiring from the Norfolk Regional Center in 2014.
Jay loved being outdoors. He would spend his free time riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, taking scenic drives, hanging out with his dogs, and sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee with friends and family. He is well remembered for his sense of humor, love for animals, and loyalty to friends and family.
Jay is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters Tracy (Anthony) Anderson, Kim (Scott) Wilkerson, and Tara (Travis) Jordan all of Norfolk; 8 grandchildren Damion, Devon, and Brogan Anderson, Harlee Hledik, Macy Wilkerson, Talyn Meyer, Griffin and Caper Jordan; Great Granddaughter Keelie Anderson; sisters Frances (Elmer) Montgomery of Pueblo, Colorado and Bertie Hledik of Columbus.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Emil Sr. and Edna Hledik; sister Lillian Willams; and her son David.
