Callen James Vrbka, age 64, of Columbus, Nebraska, formerly of Shelby, passed away after a good fight against colon cancer on December 5, 2022 at his residence in Columbus.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, December 8th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at Dubas Funeral Home in Osceola with Pastor Mark Hartley officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Callen was born December 24, 1957 in Osceola, to Raymond and Betty Jane (Augustin) Vrbka. He attended school in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1976. While in high school he worked at Augustin Brothers feedlot. After high school he began working for Dar DeTurk. He moved to Alaska for a short time where he was a warehouse worker. He returned to Shelby and began driving truck for Kosch Trucking. Over the years he hauled cattle for himself and many other trucking companies including Double O and Selden Trucking.

He enjoyed anything to do with his horses and was active in competitive team penning. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and family. Cal was proud of his sobriety of 21 years.

Even after his diagnosis in 2018, Cal made a decision to keep a positive attitude, remain independent and live life to the fullest.

Survivors include his daughter Clair Vrbka of Lincoln; one son Ross Vrbka of Omaha; brothers and sisters: Jerry (Peggy) Vrbka of Shelby, Judy (Kevin) Kuhnel McWilliams of Springfield, MO, Lori Freeman of Lincoln, Andy (Jodie) Vrbka of Shelby, Angie (Virgil) King of Shelby, Nancy Vrbka of Omaha; brother-in-law Gary Ott of Osceola; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Susan Ott.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later.

Dubas Funeral Home of Osceola and Stromsburg has been entrusted with arrangements.

dubasfuneralhome.com