JOHN T. PATRAS
John Thomas Patras was born near Chambers on July 9, 1931. He was the fifth of six children born to Amos and Elsie (Kramer) Patras.
John’s mother died when he was 3 years of age and his father had a lifelong illness. Amos was a loving father, but his health kept him from caring for his six children. As a result, the family was divided up by the state and placed in the foster system. John and his younger brother Ray lived in a series of foster situations. At 12 years of age, John and Ray moved to a boys’ home in Diller. At Diller High School, he met Elaine, and after dating five years, they married in 1952. They had two children, Patricia and Steven. On June 1, John and Elaine celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a beautiful and rare milestone.
John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a farmer, managed a dairy farm and became a high school social science teacher. John then transitioned to the superintendent of buildings and grounds for Auburn Public Schools, taking great pride in serving the community for 22 years. After retirement, he and Elaine moved to Omaha. Being the #1 super fan to his three busy grandchildren was John’s top priority. Traveling to Hawaii and Walt Disney World were two special family vacations, and his three grandchildren meant the world to him. Through the years he was constantly active in his church, ushering, teaching Sunday school, serving as church council president and was even cast as one of the three wisemen.
John’s challenging childhood was a secret to many because he was such a selfless man with a huge heart. Known to have few words, when he did speak, it was heartfelt and meaningful. He charmed everyone with his gentle smile and unconditional kindness. He enjoyed woodworking, watching the Kansas City Royals and always had a new puzzle going. He valued family above all and will be missed tremendously by those he leaves behind.
Left to cherish John’s memory are his loving wife Elaine, daughter Patricia Cummings of Omaha, son Steven Patras and wife Gretchen of Elkhorn, grandchildren: Lauren Patras of Evanston, Ill., Jace Patras of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Jennae Patras of West Des Moines, Iowa; sister-in-laws: Joyce Neumann of DeWitt and Janet Lawrence of Henderson, Nev.; many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Lester (Ruth) Patras, Ray (Marge) Patras; sisters: Imo (Merrill) Mann, Janet (Bill) Van Slyke, Evelyn (James) Wildauer; sisters-in-law: Arlene (Willard) Nippert, Verneal (Charlie) Barber, Hope Nippert; brothers-in-law: Richard (Jean) Schnuelle, Herman Neumann and Conrad Lawrence.
A celebration of life service was Friday, July 8 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials, to be designated later as an honorable tribute to John’s life.
Services were entrusted to Reichmuth Funeral Homes and Crematory, LLC of Elkhorn.