Ralph G. Krolikowski

Ralph Krolikowski, 79 of Ashton, NE died Sunday, June 5, 2016 at his home in Ashton, NE.  Cremation has been held.  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church at Ashton, NE with Father Martin Egging and Father Tom Ryan officiating.  Burial will be held at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ashton.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 at the church with a Vigil Service to be held at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Ashton Polish Heritage Center, St. Francis Catholic Cemetery or donor’s choice.

Ralph Krolikowski was born on January 20, 1937, at Loup City, Nebraska to Clarence and Regina (Lewandowski) Krolikowski.  Ralph grew up on the family farm and attended school at District 56 in Oak Creek Township and St. Francis Parochial School in Ashton, Nebraska.  He attended and graduated high school in 1955 from Ashton High School.  Following graduation, Ralph dedicated his life to farming and ranching on the family farm alongside his twin brother Ron. 

As a child, Ralph enjoyed playing the accordion while his brother Ron would play the guitar for various local talent contests.  Ralph continued his love for music by playing his organ in his home.  He also had a love for polka music and could often be seen attending dances for local community celebrations and weddings. 

Known as “Uncle Babe” to his nieces and nephews, Ralph held a special bond and nurturing relationship with them as he served as another father figure in their lives.  In addition to his family, Ralph loved his other family, his “girls,” which was his way of referencing his cattle.  Ralph was passionate about raising cattle and enjoyed attending cattle sales at the sale barn.  Ralph also enjoyed playing the lottery, Keno, and talking to friends and family in Polish.  He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Ashton and maintained a deep Christian faith his entire life.  In his free time, he was often seen driving the countryside and keeping up with the activities at the family farm.  He held a close relationship to his twin brother, who passed away November 9, 2013, and missed him dearly.

Survivors of the immediate family include his sister, Annette Gallaway of Loup City, nephews and spouses, Harold and Rhonda Krolikowski  of Ashton, Norman and Sandra Krolikowski of Cairo, nieces and spouses Jude Dean and Jake Eberhardt of Lincoln, Kayleen and Brian Grudzinski of Rockville, Geri and David Rademacher of Gun Barrel City, Texas, Susan and Nate Worm of Lincoln, nephew Roger Gallaway of Sidney, nephew and spouse, Wayne and Nancy Gallaway of Kearney, niece and spouse, Ann and Roger Heil of Ord, nephew, Alan Gallaway of Atlanta, Georgia, and niece and spouse, Amy and Joe Hostetler of Loup City.  Also left to cherish his memory are 30 great nieces and nephews and 7 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Regina, brother, Ronald “Ron,” a sister that died at birth, and brother-in-law, Marvin Gallaway.  Uncle Babe will be remembered for his love to laugh and joke and share stories with those around him.  He will be greatly missed by those closest to him, his nieces and nephews.

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