Stanley R. Vrbas

Stanley R. Vrbas, age 95, a former resident of Stratton and McCook, passed away at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home in Imperial, Nebraska on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Stan was born in Stratton, Nebraska on August 3, 1926 to Stanley Martin and Albina (Chvatal) Vrbas. Stan and his siblings, Don, Dorothy, and Jan grew up in southwest Nebraska where they attended school in Stratton and he graduated from high school in 1943. Stan was inducted into the United States Army on November 13, 1945 and served as a clerk typist at Fort Logan, Colorado, Fort Lewis, Washington, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was honorably discharged on December 22, 1946. Not long after he left the military service, in 1949, Stan began a long career in construction when he took part in the building of the Trenton Dam near Trenton, Nebraska. His work in this field would span 15 years and take him to South America, Africa, New Zealand, and much of the western United States. In 1966, Stanley returned to southwest Nebraska where he lived on the family farm south of Stratton and started his second career as a farmer and rancher. He met Nadine Nothnagel in McCook, Nebraska in 1970 and on December 27, 1972 the two were united in marriage at St. Albans Episcopal Church in McCook. Stan and Nadine made a life together on the state line south of Stratton, where they farmed and raised cattle; Stan also settled into a new role as stepfather to sons, Bill and Mike Nothnagel. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and stepson, Mike Nothnagel. He is survived by his wife, Nadine of McCook, stepson, Bill Nothnagel and wife, Linda Thieben, of McCook; stepdaughter-in-law, Darlene Nothnagel of McCook; grandchildren, Destiny Waterman and Shanna (Jeff) Schulz; and great-grandson, Benjamin Walter. Cremation was chosen and graveside memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 3, 2021 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton, Nebraska with Pastor Lisa Mensinger officiating. Memorials are suggested to St. Alban's Episcopal Church of McCook in Stan's name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Graveside Service Rose Hill Cemetery Monday, January 3, 2022 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Rural Stratton Stratton, NE 69043