Delbert Frank Kudrna “Smiley” was born June 28, 1943 to Frank and Christene Kudrna of rural Dawes county Nebraska. He went to the Lord on July 13, 2024 at age 81. Smiley graduated from Hay Springs High School in 1961. He served in the Army before moving to Valentine, Nebraska in the early 1970’s. In November 1973, he married Betty Lou Brotherson. To this union one daughter, Kayla was born. Smiley enjoyed his many years in Valentine before moving back to Hay Springs in 2020, to be closer to his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing/waterskiing, vintage tractors, and watching his grandkids grow and play.
Delbert is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Kayla (JR) Kelly, grandchildren Josephine and Preston Kelly, sisters Joann Middleton, Dorris (Jim) Larsen, brother in law Monte (Cheryl) Brotherson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Christene Kudrna, sister Geraldine Shuster and her husband Donald, brother Kenneth Kudrna and his wife Selma, and brother in law Rodger Middleton.
Services will be held at the Legion Hall (108 S Main, Hay Springs) on August 16 at 1:30. A memorial has been established for the Hay Springs FFA chapter and can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.