Ray Zlomke

Edward Raymond "Ray" Zlomke, 93, of Gordon, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025 in Gordon. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Ray will be remembered for his gentle spirit, generous heart, and sense of humor. Though he liked to joke about being "bullheaded", he was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones.

Born on July 3, 1932 in Longpine, Nebraska, to Fredrick W. and Cecelia "Blanche" Brewer Zlomke, Ray was the youngest of 6 children - Ruth (Harry) Fisher, Loran (Lois) Zlomke, Wilma (Art) Schaer, Floyd (Ellen) Zlomke, Cecil “Gale” (Betty) Zlomke and Ray. He grew up surrounded by a hardworking family who taught him the values of integrity, perseverance, and humility. In March 1953, he joined the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge in March 1961. In June 2024, he was honored with a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his service.

On December 26, 1960, Ray married Marilyn J. Morris, with whom he shared a family and 20 years of marriage before her passing in 1981. To this union was born, Elizabeth Prochazka (Ron Raschke), Steven Zlomke, Lori Armstrong, Terry (Kendra) Zlomke.

On October 18, 1986, Ray married Barbara Oller, his loving partner for nearly four decades. Joining Barb’s union to Ray were her adult children, Jerri (Richard) Rose and Scott Oller. Ray and Barb built a home deeply rooted in love for family and their community.

Farming and ranching were Ray's true passions, second only to his love for his family. He made time every summer while his children were growing up to spend a week before school started to go on a family camping trip. Ray truly loved attending his grandchildren's/great-grandchildren's many activities, and enjoyed time spent playing cards with friends and family. Though he often preferred to be on the farm, he enjoyed travels with Barb to destinations, such as, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta - wearing shorts and dipping his toes in the ocean and letting the tropical birds sit on his arm (which are both out of his comfort level if you knew Ray) and other trips to visit relatives.

A lifelong farmer and rancher, Ray devoted his days to the land he loved. He also served his community through positions on both his church and rural school boards. Though humble, and sometimes stubborn, Ray's kindness, faith and sense of humor touched many lives.

Ray is survived by his wife, Barb; his children - Liz Prochazka (Ron Raschke), Steve Zlomke, Lori Armstrong, Terry (Kendra) Zlomke, and Jerri (Richard) Rose; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters- and brothers- in law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn; parents - Fred and Blanche; step-son, Scott Oller; all of Ray’s siblings/spouses and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 10, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Gordon, with Pastor Sherman officiating. Burial will follow at Gordon Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at the Grace Lutheran Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to join in celebrating and reflecting on Ray's life.