Bille R. Kobliska, 45
Bille R. Kobliska, age 45, of Ionia, IA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, July 27, 2020.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek celebrating the mass. If you are unable to join the family at the church on Monday, please join them via Facebook Live on our Facebook page. Burial will be at St. Patrick's of St. Cecelia Cemetery in rural Elma with Adam Burgart, Mark Burgardt, Randy Burgart, Trent Busma and Blake Johnson serving as honorary casket bearers. Jeremy Lockard, Kyler Deutsch, Gary Wedemeier, Shawn Kuehn, Clint Dohlman and Nate Jones will serve as casket bearers.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, Iowa with a 7:30 PM Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Monday. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Born on the 24th day of March in 1975, Bille Raymond was the third child and first son of Raymond and Marlys (Heying) Kobliska.
Raised on his parents’ farm and then his own, he knew the value of hard work. He played equally hard, and Bille did them both extremely well. His motto was, “If you can’t have a little fun, what’s the point of living?” When you were with Bille, life was fun whether you were working or playing, even more often, both at the same time.
He was a man with a quick wit and catch phrases like, “Better have one more,” “Youuu Betcha,” and so many others that can’t be repeated. But if you knew him, you can hear them. Bille had strong opinions on, well, just about everything and he wasn’t shy about sharing them with you.
He fondly remembered his childhood on the family farm as Raymond’s right hand man. He loved farming next to his father, uncle and brother, Tony. Spring and fall on the farm were a whirlwind of excitement and Bille was smack dab in the middle of it. The rest of the year, he was hauling livestock for Busma Trucking as the owner/operator of Kobliska Trucking. Not much for words on the road, Bille would call family and friends and ask, “What’s on for tonight?” Finish with a “Copy Copy” or “A Big 10/4.”
Bille’s life wasn’t just about farming and trucking though. He was the proud father of his daughter, Landree Rae. Being his right hand gal, he’d be heard saying if someone questioned him, “Just ask Landree, she’ll tell ya.” He loved her with every fiber in his being. He also adored children in general and they seemed to flock to his twinkling blue eyes, bright smile and full belly laugh. In the middle of entertaining, he taught everyone a lesson with a quiet voice and patience.
Over the years, Bille was a part of the Red M Chuckwagon Team. He started out as an outrider for his uncle, John and finished his run as the driver of the Red M. As other drivers joined the sport, they were eager to climb up in the wagon with Bille. It wasn’t long before they gained his trust and he’d hand over the leads. This was the ultimate compliment. His teaching days went far beyond the track. He was eager to share his knowledge of driving and horses with so many, giving them the confidence to drive a good team.
He’s now reunited with his grandparents, Linus and Rita Heying and Ed and Rita Kobliska, his aunt, Judy Kobliska, his uncles, Clarence Kobliska and John Schwickerath; great uncle, Willie Kobliska and cousin, Darron Kobliska.
He’s deeply missed by his parents, Raymond and Marlys (Heying) Kobliska of Elma, IA; his daughter, Landree (Blake Johnson) Kobliska of Plainfield, Iowa; his sisters, Roxanne (Tracy) Felder of Winsted, MN, Sue Kobliska of Plainfield, IA, Barb (Tony Jirak) Kobliska of New Hampton, IA and Deb (Thad) Johnson of Colwell, IA; his brother, Tony Kobliska of Rockwell, IA; the love of his life, Liz Markham of New Hampton and her children, Sidney, Madison and Griffin Wenzlaff, and Sidney Shriever; his nieces and nephews, Leigha (Tyler) Bruns, Nichole Felder, Nicholas Ritzman, Tyler and Ashley Rosonke, Edward and Eden Kobliska; great niece, Nora; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.
As a Christian, he knew with certainty that God loved him, and that heaven is the next chapter. He wouldn’t have wanted anyone to be sad. He knew that he’d had a helluva good ride and the best was yet to come.
