He was born on Aug. 21, 1931, in Marshall, Okla., to Frank and Frances (Krejci) Semrad. He grew up in Marshall and was a graduate of Marshall High School.
Following high school, he farmed in rural Galesburg and then served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. While serving his country, he participated in atomic testing at Camp Desert Rock, Nev., in March 1953. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to rural Thayer, where he was a dairy farmer and a shorthorn cattle rancher for 30 years.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Erie, the National Farmers Organization, where he had served as treasurer for several years, and the National Association of Atomic Veterans. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, sailing, slow-pitch softball, horseshoes, snooker and chess with friends and family.
He married Alyce “Annamae” Whitford on Feb. 7, 1959, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute. They were happily married for 54 years. She survives of the home.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Mike Semrad of Galesburg; two daughters, Teresa Burns and her husband, Curt, of Wichita and Diane Eberhart and her husband, Toph, of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, William Semrad of Douglas, Okla., and Joe Semrad of Galesburg; and a sister, Agnes Parker of St. Paul.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and two sisters.
The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Erie. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons. The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.
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