Holechek Announces Retirement, Sale of Business

For more than 50 years the Holechek family has served the area with services through Holechek Funeral Home. That came to an end this week when Jim Holechek, who has run the Sidney funeral home announced his retirement.

Since 1979, Holechek has been part of the business his father, Robert, started with the purchase of Craig Mortuary in 1966. Jim began taking the lead when Bob passed away in 1985, purchasing the business from his mother in 1991.

In making the announcement, Holechek said he has sold the business to Gordy Stitt with Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home. The change of ownership became effective today. Earlier this year, Holechek sold locations in Chappell and Oshkosh to Paula Bondegard.

“I want to thank the loyal families who entrusted their loved ones to our care for nearly 52 years in Sidney,” Holechek said. “We have made many friends throughout the years and in some instances, have provided guidance and care for funerals of three and four generations of families in the area. It has been a rewarding career.”

Over the years Holechek has been active in the Sidney community, service with the Sidney Jaycees and Rotary Club among that activity. He is also a past member of the City of Sidney Tree Board. An avid golfer and motorcycle rider, Holechek said he and wife Jane, a retired Sidney teacher plan to stay in Sidney. While they may travel a little, he said they’ll always return home to Sidney.

Holechek said as is the case with such ownership changes, some pre-need contracts remain with the funeral home and “pre-need funeral contracts people have set up will be honored in full by the new owner.”