With deep love and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Frank Hruby Jr., who passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, just shy of his 102nd birthday, completing his remarkable Circle of Life.

Born on September 13, 1923, in Valley County, Nebraska, Frank was the third of six children born to Frank Emil Hruby and Kamila (Cernik) Hruby. Raised on the family farm, Frank and his siblings — Elma, Minnie, Robert, Edwin, and Evelyn — were all born at home and learned early the values of hard work, simplicity, and dedication to family.

Frank completed his 8th-grade education and then remained on the farm to help his parents. His practical skills and inventive spirit became clear early on — a true "Jack of all Trades." One of his lifelong passions was building and flying model airplanes, a hobby he carried into adulthood. Many of these cherished creations were proudly displayed in his home, where he lived since 1957.

Frank was a man of many interests. He enjoyed fishing, go-karting, motorcycles, and had a deep love for car racing. But above all, he found joy in the simple pleasures — country music, the American spirit reflected in red, white, and blue, and time spent with his beloved family.

From 1942 to 1946, Frank honorably served in the U.S. Navy as a ship engine mechanic during World War II. After his service, he continued his mechanical work at Linnton Plywood Company in Linnton, Oregon, where he was employed until his retirement in August 1985.

A devout member of Grace Lutheran Church in Portland, Frank rarely missed a Sunday service, his quiet faith guiding his life with steadfast consistency.

In 1945, Frank married the love of his life, Betty Jean Plock. During his Navy years, Betty moved from Nebraska to San Francisco and worked at Macy’s so she could be close to him whenever his ship docked. Together, they shared a beautiful life, raised a family, and built a love that lasted more than 65 years. One of their most treasured memories was a surprise trip to Nashville, where they visited the Grand Ole Opry — a dream come true for two lifelong country music fans.

Frank and Betty loved to dance and attended western country music concerts often, embracing life with joy and devotion to one another. Their deep bond endured until Betty’s passing from cancer in November 2010 — a loss Frank bore with quiet strength and enduring love.

Above all, Frank was a devoted family man. He was kind, gentle, and humble, a man who preferred privacy but gave deeply to those he loved. His proudest legacy was ensuring that his only child became the first in the Hruby family to graduate from college — a milestone he saw as a tribute to the values his ancestors brought with them from Bohemia.

Frank is survived by his son, Frank Dean Hruby, and daughter-in-law, Xuân Hruby (Bothell, WA); granddaughters Kamila Hruby (Anaheim, CA) and Michelle (Hruby) Mudrock and husband John Mudrock (Bainbridge Island, WA); grandson Frank Andre Hruby and wife Jessica Hruby (Renton, WA); great-grandchildren Lola Mudrock (Bainbridge Island, WA), and twins Delilah Dinh and Killian Dinh (Anaheim, CA); and his sister Evelyn (Hruby) Erickson (Comstock, NE).

Frank Hruby Jr. leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, humble service, and unwavering love for his family and country. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.