JEFFERSON — William Robert “Bill” Hruska Sr., age 87, passed away early Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, at his home in Jefferson, Ohio, with his family by his side following a lengthy illness.
He was born Dec. 10, 1924, in Cherry Valley Township, the son of Michael and Mary (Gracizar) Hruska and has lived in the Jefferson area and Richmond Township his entire life.
Bill was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving with the 1022nd Combat Engineers during W.W.II. He served as a Tec. Sgt. in Belgium, France and Germany where it was their job to lay pontoon bridges across the Rhine River to get the troops into Germany from France and remove the bridges after the troops were safely across. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
When he returned home, he worked for General Mills until buying a farm in Richmond Township and along with his wife, Agnes, began farming. Through the G.I. Bill of Rights, he was able to attend the Ashtabula County Agricultural School for two years. He also worked for the Dorset Milling Co. and later went to work at the Ashtabula County Highway Dept. for 20 years as a mechanic in the maintenance department, retiring in 1988.
He leaves his wife, Agnes (Hanson) Hruska, whom he married on June 11, 1949, in Denmark Township; two children, Marlene Ondrejovic and Will (Ramona) Hruska; two grandchildren, Christopher William and Kelsey Ann Hruska, all from the Jefferson area; and many nieces and nephews. His family meant more to him than anything else and he enjoyed spending time with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael, Albert and Edward Hruska; and a sister, Eleanor Johns.
Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Private burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery with Geneva Post #6846 providing Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to American Diabetes Assoc., 4500 Rockside Road, Suite 440, Independence, Ohio 44131 or Tridia Hospice, 1933 Route 45, Austinburg, Ohio 44010.
The Jefferson Home of FLEMING & BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, is handling arrangements. Guest book and obituary at fleming-billman.com and starbeacon.com.
