Gilbert Francis Penka, 66, died May 17, 2014 at his home in Great Bend. Born Feb. 25, 1948, in Great Bend, he was the son of August and Agnes (Rziha) Penka. A resident of Great Bend since 2009, coming from Hoisington, he was a farmer and delivered propane for Mid Continent L.P. Services. He also later was employed by Moeder Oil Company.
Mr. Penka served during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force and later served in the National Guard. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin and the Knights of Columbus in Hoisington.
Survivors include four sisters, JoAnn Webb and husband John of Powell, Wyo., Rita Anderson of Hill City, Marlene Lohmann of Great Bend, and Alice Holopirek of Abilene; one brother, James Penka of Kansas City; many nieces and nephews; and an aunt, Helen Kalina of Hoisington.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin. Burial will be at Holy Family Cemetery in Odin with military honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.  A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society or Holy Family Cemetery Fund, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
Box 146
Hoisington, KS,  67544
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, May 22, 2014