Loren Joe Stehlik was born on December 20, 1946 in Humboldt, Nebraska and his parents were Lawrence E. and Nettie M. Karas Stehlik. Joe was married to Katherine L. Stehlik who passed away on April 13, 2025, they have three daughters Jennifer M. Stehlik Ladman, Elizabeth K. Stehlik, and Valerie A. Stehlik.

Joe attended Table Rock public schools graduating in 1964, then University of Nebraska College of Business in 1964 to 1968 and then University of Nebraska College of Law graduating in 1971.

At the age of 9, Joe got his first instrument, a trombone, from his Uncle Joe and began to learn how to play. He then played in the Table Rock High School Band from 1958 to 1964. While in this time, Joe got a new Conn 8-H Trombone and started getting superior ratings at music contests. He also played in the State F.F.A. Band, All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, and was selected to play first trombone at the All-State Music Clinic in 1963. While at the University of Nebraska he played in the Collegiate Symphonic Band and Marching Band for 3 years.

Joe played his first dance job with the Trecek Orchestra in October of 1958, two months shy of his 12th birthday. Since then, over the years he has played for Al Grebnick, Jolly Gents, Eddie Janak, Bob and the Bouncing Czechs, Hank Zahourek and his Melody Masters, Steve Stastny, Math Sladky, Duane Stehlik Combo, Ernie Kucera, Dave Husky, Greg Blecha and the Good Timers, Bohemian Aces, Lad Trecek Combo, Trey Blecha, Omaha Czech Brass Band, and The Starliters.

While in college Joe purchased and taught himself to play a bass horn for the purpose of playing for Al Grebnick, from 1965 until he received his law degree in 1971. Joe also plays piano mostly as an accompanist in vocal performances for his daughters Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Valerie. He has been a long-time member of Czech Brass Band on trombone that has provided music for Memorial Day Services at the Czech National Cemetery southwest of Humboldt, Nebraska. Joe is proud that his grandson, Mason Ladman joined the band five years ago on trumpet. Joe has been the keynote speaker every year beginning in 1992.

Joe has been a long-time member and trustee of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation,as well as a member of the Executive Board for a number of years.

Joe has in his over 54 years of general legal practice in the rural Nebraska community of Pawnee City formed many Nebraska Non-Profit Corporations and obtained federally tax exempt 501@(3) status determination from the Internal Revenue Service for over 40. Five are Specifically related to furthering and promoting the Czech and Slovak culture and heritage. 1. The Czech Language Foundation in 1993.2. The Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum 2004. 3. The Josef Stepan Family Foundation in 2004. 4. The ZCBJ Jan Kollar Lodge No. 101 Foundation in 2023. The four named non-profits were also co-founded by Joe. 5. In forming the recently established Czech Culture Education Foundation of Nebraska in 2023, Joe was awarded for his help as Founding Member Status. The Pawnee County Promotional Network with the help of Sharla Stizman Cerra puts on four dances at ZCBJ hall in rural DuBois Nebraska the last Sunday of the month in January, February, March, and April.

One particular dance changed Joe’s life. It was at the PlaMor in Lincoln where the Grebnick Orchestra played every month. So on March 8, 1969 Joe was told at intermission to see his 1st cousin who was at the dance. She had a table next to the stage and brought with her a coworker to meet Joe – Katherine Crowson, a pretty brunette originally from Louisiana. The wedding was the following September 6th.

Every summer, Stehlik Law broadcasts Czech music on the office building for the benefit of passersby’s to enjoy.

One of Joe’s prized family possessions on display at his residence in Pawnee City is the restored Stehlik Orchestra trailer complete with its original Model A rims with wooden spokes and new Model A tires.

Joe was inducted into The Musicians’ Hall of Fame on January 25, 2025 at Tabor Hall, Dorchester, Nebraska.