Joe R. Hubka

Joe Robert Hubka, 91, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed peacefully at Davis Hospice surrounded by family on February 15, 2024. Joe was born January 16, 1933 to Joseph and Lydia (Horsky) Hubka in Pawnee City, Nebraska.
Joe graduated from high school in Pawnee City in 1950. He came to Cheyenne to work for the Union Pacific Railroad after attending a telegraph training course in Omaha, Nebraska. After being a telegraph operator for several years, he decided to be a train engineer, which he truly enjoyed! He retired from the railroad after 44 years of service.
Joe met his future wife, Shirley, at a dance at the Eagles Club. Joe and Shirley married in Cheyenne on April 15, 1953. Joe was drafted into the Army, and the couple was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. They moved back to Cheyenne at the completion of his enlistment. He then served in the Army Guard and Air National Guard totaling 30 years.
Joe loved to participate in the Senior Olympics each year, winning several medals in many different sports. Joe enjoyed golf and playing his baritone in the city band during the summer. In the winter, he bowled in two leagues and went to yoga two days per week while also looking forward to playing in the Christmas tuba concert. He had to read the paper each day, especially to look at scores for the Rockies and the Nuggets. Oh yes, he had to keep up with Nebraska football scores, too. Joe also loved playing cards throughout the year with friends and family. They even kept a scorebook when there were discussions on who won the most games.
Joe and Shirley loved to polka dance. They were members of the Cheyenne Polka Club. One year they were even the King and Queen. Joe and Shirley would go to assisted living communities to share their love for polka. Polka even took them on cruises to different parts of the world. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion Post #6.
Joe is survived by his children, Bob (Norma), Terry (Tammy) and Denise (Jeff)Rucker. Joe was always happy to see the grandchildren, David (Shelley), Shauna (James), Stephen (Monika), Jared (Basia), Brittany (Eric), Crystal (Zach), and Brianna (Jake). He also has 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Lenhardt, Janice Lenhardt, Nancy Lenhardt and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, parents, sister Alma Miller, brothers-in-law Melvin Lenhardt, Howard Lenhardt, John Miller, and sister-in-law LaVon Parker.
A celebration of life will be held on February 27 at 10 am at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes with a reception at The Gathering Place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cheyenne City Band and Davis Hospice.