James Kouba

NORFOLK -- A celebration of life for James Kouba, 74, Norfolk, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Stonacek Funeral Chapel here. The Rev. Tim Fleener will officiate with burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time on Monday at the chapel. He died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. Born Oct. 26, 1938, near Pierce, James was the son of Emil and Emma (Silhacek) Kouba. He attended Pierce country school, graduated from Norfolk High School in 1957 and attended Norfolk Junior College in 1958.\r\n\r\nHe married Darlene Sladek on May 29, 1969, in Yankton. After James and Darlene were married, they resided in Norfolk. James worked as a chef at Holiday Inn and was head chef at Norfolk Country Club. He worked security at Henningsen Foods for over 12 years. He fought cancer and was declared cancer free in July of 2011. James' greatest joy was spending time with his family and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren at get-togethers. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, art work painting, watching movies and cracking jokes. Oftentimes, James would be seen at Prime Stop reading, drinking his coffee (black) and visiting with people who came in. He always had a smile on his face, and was known for his ability to make people laugh with his quick witted humor. James also enjoyed his Bohemian Culture and was proud of it, speaking in Czech at times. He was a kind, gentle, loving, generous man who loved Jesus and will be treasured in the memory of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. James was a member of Heartland Baptist Church in Norfolk. Survivors include his wife, Darlene Kouba of Osmond; a daughter, Tricia and husband Mike Mahan of Norfolk; a daughter, Tammy Baber of Norfolk; daughter, Tonya Ketelsen of Osmond; two step-daughters, Deb and husband Tim Thompson of Osmond and Marilyn Onnen of Sacramento, Calif.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews; and two sisters-in-law, Lorrena Kouba of Norfolk and Phyllis Kouba of Norfolk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Emma; four brothers, Emil, Eldon, Marvin, Melvin; and a grandson, Joshua Hoile. Casketbearers for the service are his grandchildren: Kendra Voelker, Adryann Kouba, Emilee Aschoff, Cassandra Aschoff, Jacob Aschoff, Jessica Mahan, MaKayla Mahan, Seth Rodgers.

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James Kouba

October 26, 1938 - October 3, 2013