George J. Hrdina

George "Buckets" J. Hrdina, 86, Wausau, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Benedictine Living Community. He was born April 24, 1928 in Two Rivers, son of the late Joseph and Clara Hrdina. On June 30, 1951 he married Bernadine Sekadlo in Two Rivers. Bernie passed away June 26, 2014; June 30 would have been their 63rd anniversary. George graduated from Washington High School in Two Rivers in 1946, where he acquired the nickname "Buckets" playing basketball, served in the US Army in Germany from 1946 to 1948, obtained a degree in business management from Manitowoc Business College and began his career at Kewaunee Coop in 1953. Several years later, he moved his family to Wausau where he became office manager for Cloverbelt Coop until the mid 80's. He also served on the board of directors at Cloverbelt Credit Union. Later in his career, he worked for Gresham Coop and Larsen Coop, retiring in 1993. George enjoyed attending basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, cross country, track, soccer and ice skating events that his grandchildren participated in. He also enjoyed watching the Brewers, Packers and Badgers. He helped his children with many house building and remodeling projects over the years. George also enjoyed bowling with in his early years and golfing in his later years with his many friends at the Legion every weekday morning until he had trouble seeing the balls he drove out of sight. George and Bernie will be sadly missed by the many family members and friends. Survivors include his children, Terry (DiAnn) Hrdina, Wausau, Trudy (James) Emison, Bells, Tenn., Mike (Sara) Hrdina, Wausau and Tammy (Chip) Hayden, LaCrosse; grandchildren, Chad (Michael), Kelli (Torrion), Vicki (Steve), Brenda (Greg), Jodi, Jessica, Eddie, Ellie, Amanda, Alex, Emily and David; step grandchildren, Randy (Tammy), Brad (Jenny) and Angela (Charles); great-grandchildren, Tahlia, Brooklyn, Torrion, Breyden, Dylan, Norah and Lyla; many step great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Hrdina and his wife Elaine, and a brother in law, Wayne Sekadlo. The family will have a private burial service for George and Bernie. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the staff at Aspirus Hospital and Benedictine Living Community for their kindness and compassionate care given to George. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com