Clifford Lee Sklenar, age 81, passed away at his home in Bellevue, Neb., on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Cliff was born in Wahoo, Neb. on January 27, 1944, to parents, Jerry and Ruth (Jordan) Sklenar. He was the youngest of four children and was raised on a farm near Weston, Neb. He graduated from Weston High School in 1962 where he was active in basketball and track. He also represented his high school at Cornhusker Boy’s State.
After high school Cliff graduated from tech school in Kansas City, Kan. He then was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Omaha, Neb. His employment took him from Omaha to Kimball, Neb. and later transferring to the Gordon, Neb. office. During his 41 years with the same phone company, it changed names many times and he retired from Century Link in February of 2006.
Shortly after transferring to Gordon, he met the love of his life, Kathryn L. Kayton. They were married on May 16, 1969. They had two children, Jay Clifford who was born in 1975 and Amber Kay in 1977.
Cliff was a faithful servant of God. He was active in the Gordon Church of God, attending services regularly with his family, supporting church activities, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He had a love for motorcycling, camping, fishing, boating, travelling and most of all being with his family and friends.
After retirement Cliff and Kathie spent the summers in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and escaped the cold winters to Southern Arizona. Throughout their travels together, they formed many lasting friendships. They both loved the rugged beauty of the Southwest and eventually owned a home in Benson, Arizona. There they became active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Benson.
Two of his most cherished titles were “Dad” to Jay and Amber and later “Papa” to his precious granddaughters.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Ruth Sklenar; sister, Charlotte M. Brown; brothers, Melvin E. and Walter F. Sklenar.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathryn L. Sklenar; children, Jay (Brook) Sklenar of Colorado Springs, CO and Amber (Randy) Liberty of Bellevue, NE; grandchildren, Emilie Violet Sklenar, Kayton Rose Sklenar, Leah Kathryn Liberty, Macy Kaylynn Liberty and Laura Grace (Liberty) Langston and her husband, Isaiah, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and three nieces and their families.
In lieu of flowers, in keeping with Cliff’s generous spirit, memorial donations will be forwarded to a ministry he cared deeply about.