Ruth Ann Nozicka

Ruth Nozicka, 80, died November 26, 2021. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island, NE. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at the church with a vigil service starting at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to North Platte Catholic School Endowment Trust or Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island. Online condolences may be directed to apfelfuneralhome.com.

Ruth was born in Milford, NE to Oscar and Leona (Helmsteder) Ahlschwede. She graduated from Seward High School. She married Martin Nozicka and together they had four children.

Ruth and Martin made their home in North Platte, NE. They were involved with the square/round dance organizations in the North Platte area for many years and eventually formed “The Goodtime Dancers” square dance group. Ruth called and taught square dance and round dance, eventually branching out to learn and teach clogging. They traveled throughout Nebraska and the surrounding states calling and teaching dances and workshops.

Martin passed away in March 1993 and Ruth moved to Grand Island, NE and worked for the Chancery office for the Catholic Church Diocese.

In 1997, Ruth married William Noziska. They enjoyed traveling and meeting with friends for coffee. Bill passed away in September 2007. Ruth remained close to his two sons and families, Bill (Dee) Noziska and Joe (Kathy) Noziska.

Ruth was active in her church community. She played the organ and sang in the choir at various churches, including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte, NE. Following her move to Grand Island, she belonged to Blessed Sacrament parish and was active in the music ministry. In addition, Ruth enjoyed maintaining a huge yard with flowers.

Ruth would like to be remembered for her love of learning and teaching. Frequently she would state “learn something new every day”. She had a quick wit and at times an outlandish sense of humor. She loved to tell/repeat stories and jokes.

She is survived by her children: Constance (William) Lowndes, David (Melodie) Nozicka, Theresa (Gordy) Dye, Michael (Beth) Nozicka; grandchildren: Benjamin (Jenna), Emily (Seth), Rachel, Matej (Allison), Rebecca (Richard), Joseph, Evan, Montgomery (Casey), Jobeth (Aaron) and Erin (Curtis); and great grandchildren: Martin, Walter and Scarlet.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Darrel Ahlschwede and Larry Ahlschwede, first husband, Martin Nozicka, and second husband, William Noziska.