Ernie Stika
Ernie L. Stika, 48, a Donahue Corporation employee for 27 years, was the son of Louis and Tillie (Kroupa) Stika. He was born Oct. 27, 1954, at Hillsboro. He died June 26, 2003, at Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita.
He graduated from Centre High School and was a lifelong resident of the area.
A member of St. John Nepomucene Church, Holy Family Parish, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Marie Hayen.
Survivors include his parents, Louis and Tillie Stika Sr., and two sisters, Betty Augustine of Hesston and Arlene Stika of Hillsboro.
Mass was celebrated Monday afternoon at St. John's Nepomucene Church in Pilsen with Father Paul Oborny the celebrant and Edmund and Mary Lou Kroupa the gift bearers.
The church choir provided vocal music and Charlene Svitak was the organist.
Casket bearers were John Oborny and Michael, Jason, LaVerne, Frank, and Eugene Stika.
Honorary bearers were James Donahue, Richard Dirks, Ray Remmers, David Feeney, James Riffel, Mike Schwendiman, and Phil Auguiano.
Burial was in the church cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established with the Pilsen Community Center.
