Danny Leroy Stefka, 67, of Bayard, Nebraska, passed away on September 27, 2026, at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado. At his request, cremation has taken place.
Danny was born on November 22, 1958, in Comstock, Nebraska, to Eldon and Emma (Anderson) Stefka. He graduated from Sargent High School in 1977, where he was involved in FFA and participated in High School Band and Football. He later attended Western Nebraska Community College.
A steady, hard-working presence throughout his life, Danny dedicated 40 years of service to BNSF. In 2019, he began working with RailCrew Express, where he remained until his passing.
On July 2, 2023, Danny married Robyn Nicodemus in Mitchell, Nebraska, and together they made their home in Bayard. His devotion to family and community was evident in the way he lived—consistently, and with a gentle generosity that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Danny was a member of Spring Creek Church in Mitchell, Nebraska, and a member of the Eagles. He was also an active member of the American Legion Riders and Sons of American Legion, and he received Rider of the Year.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1517, 424 Flack Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, with Pastor Ben Cross officiating. Graveside inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Alliance, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the family to be designated later time. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for the family. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with services.
Danny is survived by his wife, Robyn (Nicodemus) Stefka; children Gary, Tim, and Denise; grandchildren Dante and Riley; great-grandson baby James and great-granddaughter June; brothers Rod Stefka of Sargent, Rollie Stefka and wife Kina of Comstock; sister Joline (Jo) Smolik and friend Mike Cruikshank of Arcadia NE; stepdaughter Heather Wharton of Scottsbluff and her children, grandson Wyatt Wharton and granddaughter Hana Wharton; stepdaughter Alicia Winters-Pittman (Adam) of Bayard and her child, granddaughter Jezibel Babione’ Winters; mother-in-law Janet Artz of Bayard; brother-in-law Gerald Berry of Romney, IN; great-nephew Vance Berry; father-in-law Larry Nicodemus (Pat) of Gering; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Emma Stefka; and grandparents Rudolf and Francisco Stefka and Leo and Blanch Anderson.
