Lacey Lee Jarolimek, a beloved resident of Winnemucca, NV, passed away on August 14, 2024, after bravely battling cancer.
Born on January 8, 1949, in Twin Falls, ID.
Lacey was the son of Olga and Leo Jarolimek.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shelba (Wiese) Jarolimek, whom he married on October 15, 1971, and their four children: Hayley Jarolimek from Henderson, NV, Jonathan (Shawn) Jarolimek from Redwood City, CA, Matthew (Chrissy Mitchell) Jarolimek from Greer, SC and Shelace (Ken) Shoemaker from Sparks, NV and his 10 grandchildren Kt (Ashley), Hadyne, Sophie, Ava, Ryan, Gianna, Lauren, Noah, Tanner, and Harper, as well as his siblings, brother Dan (Cathy) Jarolimek of Rupert, ID and sister Sandra (Jim) Stevens of Eagle, ID.
Lacey was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Olga Jarolimek.
Lacey served as a Private in the Army, proudly contributing to the 8th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.
He served one tour in Vietnam in 1968 and continued active service in the Reserves until 1974.
He earned a National Defense Service Medal, M-14 Marksmanship badge and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
After an honorable discharge while stationed in Korea, he returned home to Paul Idaho.
Lacey came to Winnemucca, Nevada with his dad, Leo, in 1970 to help clear land for Winnemucca Farms.
He met Shelba in March of 1971 when going home to visit friends in Rupert, Idaho.
From that point, he would take every free weekend to make the 5.5 hour trip (in 4 hours), as there was no Nevada speed limit back then.
When they got married in 1971, they moved to Winnemucca and lived on the farm for 11 years, before moving into town.
His favorite story to tell was when he first brought Shelba home to Winnemucca and as they drove over the hill and saw the lights of Golconda he jokingly said, “There’s Winnemucca.” She didn’t find that too funny at the time.
He worked for Winnemucca Farms for 35 years before leaving to clear land on his own.
In 2006 he started driving haul trucks for Newmont Mines where he stayed for 14 years until he started cancer treatments.
Lacey spent many years involved with sports around Winnemucca. He sponsored the Russets softball team for numerous seasons.
His wife, Shelba, and he were in many bowling leagues, couples on Mondays, and hanging with the boys on Thursday nights.
He coached Little League baseball and basketball. He was in charge of Little League basketball for several years but most enjoyed the 18 years coaching the Royals boys basketball team and later the 76ers girls basketball team.
He loved running into former players that he coached and followed their games and achievements into high school through the Humboldt Sun.
Lacey was a jokester. He loved to laugh and make people laugh.
You always knew it was a really funny joke or story if he scrunched up his shoulders, covered his mouth with his balled up fist and giggled.
If you hung out with him long enough he’d teach you a “good ole Army trick” and probably retell a story you’ve heard a dozen times.
He loved collecting baseball cards and old bottles he’d find in the desert. He was an avid gardener and made sure every home he lived in had the best garden and greenest lawn on the block.
Lacey requested no services. So when you have a chance, raise a glass, toast a Coors Light, sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and cheer for the Cubs. He already knows they won’t be in the World Series…this year.