Vickie C. LaRosa, 81, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Vickie was born on May 5, 1945, in Vivian, West Virginia.

Vickie spent most of her life in Grand Island, Nebraska, where she became known and loved by so many throughout the community. She worked at McDonald’s in Grand Island for many years before she and her husband, Ralph, purchased the Flamingo Lounge in 1988. They proudly owned and operated the business until 1997, when it later became Balz Sports Bar.

Vickie continued working at Balz Sports Bar for 23 years, becoming a familiar and beloved face to everyone who walked through the doors. She truly did it all, prepping food, cooking, serving customers, greeting guests, writing keno tickets, and helping wherever she was needed. Known affectionately as the “Keno Queen,” Vickie built countless friendships with customers and coworkers who became like family to her. She loved the people she worked with and held many special customers close to her heart.

In 2020, Vickie retired and moved to Waverly, Nebraska, to be closer to her family and grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She treasured every moment spent with them. Whether she was cooking for loved ones, cheering on sports teams during Sunday Night Football, watching game shows, or proudly taking on laundry duty as the family’s self-proclaimed “laundry expert,” Vickie found joy in caring for others.

Vickie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph LaRosa; Jason Harley; Elisia LaRosa; and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa LaRosa-Behrle and husband Fred Behrle of Waverly, Nebraska, and daughter Sherry Prochazka of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Alyssa LaRosa of Omaha, Nebraska, Bladen Kendall of Omaha, Nebraska, Brianne Kendall Tellez and husband Pedro Tellez of Omaha, Nebraska, Taren Kosmicki and wife Brianna Kosmicki of Waverly, Nebraska, and Tyra Rose of Waverly, Nebraska; Katie Chavarria and husband Mario Chavarria, and Andrew Behrle and great-grandchildren Charlie, Lilly, Raiden, Oliver, Aydan, Bryxtn, and Indie. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, coworkers, and loyal customers who will forever cherish her memory.

Vickie had just celebrated her 81st birthday surrounded by those she loved most.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Balz Sports Bar on State Street in Grand Island, Nebraska. Memorials may be given at the Celebration of Life in honor of Vickie.

Her kindness, work ethic, sense of humor, and love for her family and community will never be forgotten.

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