Dennis R. Urbanovsky, 70, of Ord passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, March 21, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Dennis was born January 24, 1955, at Ord, Nebraska to Adolph and Virginia (Chalupa) Urbanovsky. He grew up on the family ranch in south central Garfield County and received his early education at Midvale Country School. As a young boy Dennis began working on the family farm, helping his dad. At the early age of 10, Dennis could be found helping in the hay field driving a tractor. During his high school years, he moved to Ord where he attended school. Dennis graduated from Ord High School in 1973.
Dennis was a south-paw pitcher for the Ord Legion and Town Team baseball teams; having a curveball that baffled many batters during his career. He also regularly participated in the Burwell Rodeo’s Wild Horse Race as an Anchor. He would regularly attend and support the rodeo long after his rodeo days were over.
Following high school, Dennis briefly attended Hastings Community College, but found his passion was in agriculture and he soon returned to the family farm. In 1979 at the age of 24, Dennis took over the family farm and cattle operation.
On June 7, 1980, Dennis and Patricia Kolman were united in marriage in Ord, Nebraska. The couple spent 42 years living on the family ranch where they raised their three children: Jeffrey, Kelly and Clint. Throughout their marriage, the couple worked together on parenting and building up the family ranch.
Dennis eventually focused on ranching and had an eye for selecting high quality Black Angus bulls. Dennis was always focused on improving his cow herd and was an early adopter of new technology in this regard. Dennis often enjoyed studying bull catalogs and evaluating genetics. He always had a great recall on the details of his individual livestock.
One of Dennis’ proudest accomplishments was being the recipient of the Pioneer Award at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in 2019; helping steward the ranch to 100 years of operation. During Dennis’ tenure, he made a great effort to conserve and maintain the land. It was with great pride to him that he was able to pass the legacy down to the next generation. Recently, in 2023, the couple moved to Ord.
Dennis served on the Midvale School Board for six years and the Burwell School Board from 2000-2009. He was a member of the Catholic Church and the Nebraska Cattlemen. During his tenure as President of Nebraska Cattlemen, he was instrumental in initiating the scholarship program.
He enjoyed following his children’s careers, and spending time with grandkids. Dennis was his children’s biggest supporter and was always present in their lives to provide advice or encouragement in needed times. Dennis had a unique sense of humor, especially when he was around his brother and sisters. Dennis was an avid fan of the University of Nebraska’s sports teams, and particularly the Cornhusker’s football team.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Pat of Ord; their three children, Jeffrey (Carla) Urbanovsky of San Diego, California; Kelly (Ryan) Bloom of Ord; and Clint (Jenna) Urbanovsky of Ord; four grandchildren, Alexis, Maci and Allison Bloom and Nicklin Urbanovsky; a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Shannon Urbanovsky of Lincoln; and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Dick Janda of Lincoln; brother-in law Terry Michalski; sister-in-law Linda and Steve Schmit; brothers-in-law Larry and Deb Kolman; Gary and Linda Kolman; nieces and nephews Michelle Michalski, Heidi Nutter, Nick Michalski, Corey Janda, Tina Homan, Jenny Rezak, Erin Spilker, Jason Schmit, Jonathan Kolman, Amanda Kolman, and Ryan Kolman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Emily Michalski; brother-in-law, Steven Kolman; niece, Jenny Janda; and parents-in-law, Oscar and Helen Kolman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Scott Harter will be the Mass Celebrant. Interment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Unit or the Ord Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
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