David John Capek

Notes:

He graduated from Exeter Public School in 1966, and completed his PhD in Political Science at UNL, returning to farm the land that had been in his family for over 100 years.

Obituary

David John Capek was born to John James & Rosemary (Kovanda) Capek on March 30, 1948 at Friend, Nebraska. He passed away on December 19, 2023 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 75 years, 8 months, and 20 days. He was one of 2 children born in the family.

David grew up on a farm near Milligan, Nebraska. He graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1966. He went on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University, graduating in 1970. While at Wesleyan, David met Denise King and they were married on June 6, 1971. To this union three children were born: Karel, Haley, and Morgan. After graduating from Wesleyan, David attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and obtained a Master's Degree and Ph.D. in political science. After college, he worked for the Nebraska Department of Corrections Research area before returning to the family farm in 1980. He raised Registered Angus Cattle and farmed the family farm ground until retirement.

David stayed busy with the farming operation, helping to raise the children with the busy work schedule of a medical doctor wife, children's 4-H projects and various school events. After retirement, David spent most of his time in Lincoln. He enjoyed attending Broadway productions at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, travelling, reading, and sports, especially Husker Volleyball. He also enjoyed working on his Thunderbird, but he especially valued time spent with wife, children, and grandchildren.

David was also a faithful blood donor as long as his health permitted. He answered many donor requests and understood what an important gift it was for others, especially after his wife's survival of lymphoma.

David was preceded in death by his father & mother John & Rosemary Capek.

He is survived by his wife Denise Capek, MD of Lincoln, Nebraska; children Karel Capek, MD & wife Janet of Victoria, Texas, Haley Peters, Ph.D & husband Dr. Darrick Peters of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Morgan Capek of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister Dr. Marilyn Capek of Winchester, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren including Rudy Capek, Ryker Peters, Kyran Peters, Zyan Peters, Tytus Peters, Helen Capek, Ingrid Capek, and Greta Capek; and many nieces and nephews.

Services pending.

Memorials are suggested to Nebraska Public Television.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, from Farmer & Son)

David married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living

Notes:

Introduced to music by his mother at a young age, he pursued a career in that field with zest throughout the rest of his life. John enlisted in the U.S. Army in September, 1941, serving four years in the Asiastic Pacific Theatr and the Philippine Liberation operation. He was a member of the Army Sixth Division Band, and honorably discharged in December, 1945. After his marriage, John farmed and played in various community orchestras. He was killed in a truck accident at the age of 44. (Milligan, p 238).

John married Rosemary Kovanda on 22 Oct 1946. Rosemary (daughter of Frederick F. Kovanda and Rose Bulin) was born on 27 May 1921 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 19 Jul 2011 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rosemary graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938, later earning her teaching certificate from the University of Nebraska in 1940. She taught in Ohiowa, David City, and Beatrice. After her husband's death, she returned to teaching, earning her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Nebraska in 1968. She also studied Library Science, and went to work at the Crete Public Library. (Milligan, p 238).

Rosemary Capek, 90, of Milligan, died Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

Funeral services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Farmer & Son Funeral Home Kotas Chapel, Milligan. Visitation: Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Farmer & Son Funeral Home Kotas Chapel, Milligan. Graveside service: Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan. Memorials to the Milligan Rescue Unit or Bohemian National Cemetery

Rosemary Capek, 90 years of age, of Geneva, Nebraska, passed away peacefully during the morning of July 19, 2011. Rosemary was born on May 27, 1921 in Milligan, NE. She was the youngest of three children born to Frederick and Rose Kovanda. Her older siblings were Joyce Glandon (deceased) of Florida, and Glenn Kovanda (deceased) of Milligan, NE. She had a loving childhood and often remembered the horses on their farm. Rosemary frequently remembered her happy and fun loving mother and father. Rosemary lost her mother, due to illness, when she was at the age of twelve. Her Aunt Anna Bulin, who was a nurse at the Mayo Clinic, came home to the farm to help take care of the three children. Her Father, Fred, remarried to Rose's sister, Anna and he was fortunate to have two happy marriages.

During Rosemary's high school years, her family moved to Lincoln, NE. Rosemary graduated from Lincoln High. Rosemary showed a certain initiative through her teen age years as she was born Rose, and she changed her name to Rosemary while she was a teen. She attended University of Nebraska for a teaching degree. She had taught in the elementary schools in Ohiowa, David City, and Beatrice.

Before WWII, she met a very special and gregarious man, John James Capek, from Milligan, NE. She communicated with John for the four years of the war and when he returned to the states, they had a garden wedding. John came from a very musical family. During WWII he was in the Army Band. One of his loves was the Rudy Jay Orchestra, where he was one of the singers. He also played trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone. Rosemary and John enjoyed many Big Band Orchestra dances. They also enjoyed family get-togethers with many relatives as well as many of John's close friends from the war and their families. Rosemary was a wonderful cook and many of her dishes will remain loving memories for her family. Unforgettable were her barbeque spare ribs, duck, pheasant, rabbit, cherried tongue, dumplings, cream puffs, strawberry-rhubarb pie and her many Jello fruit salads, especially her pineapple banana salad. Gardening and canning were also two of Rosemary's avocations. Rosemary and John were very happy with their family life and they were blessed with two children. David John Capek was born in 1948 and Marilyn Rose Capek was born in 1952.

Great sorrow and tragedy occurred on Oct 3, 1960, when John died in a car accident. With the loving support of her parents, Rosemary went back to University of Nebraska to complete her teaching degree. Rosemary's primary concern was for the well-being of her own children during those years as she handled all of the responsibilities of a single parent. Rosemary loved all young children and she taught Kindergarten at Milligan, NE and preschool at Crete, NE. Rosemary was involved with the Methodist Church Ladies Group as well as Garden Clubs.

Rosemary had many personal strengths that carried her through life's challenges. She remained optimistic and caring. Later, she studied photography at Doane College. She also studied Librarian Science and worked at Crete Library. Rosemary spent many hours painting with oils and acrylics. She entered some of her paintings into local contests. She also focused on exercising and staying healthy as she took classes on a regular schedule. She also loved to travel. Her travels included Switzerland, England, France, Austria, and the Czech Republic with her mother, Anna Kovanda, and her sister Joyce Glandon. She also traveled to Florida, the Caribbean, and many states in the Western USA. Rosemary also traveled to Boston and New England multiple times to spend time with Marilyn and her family, Karl, Melissa, and Brett Henrikson. She loved swimming in the lake in New Hampshire with Marilyn's family and picking berries with her grandchildren. Rosemary was also very involved with David's family, with his wife Denise, and children Karel David, Haley, and Morgan Capek. Rosemary was also very kind to animals and had a wonderful rapport with dogs and cats.
Rosemary was always a source of strength and love when it involved her six grandchildren. She spent many hours caring for and loving them. Rosemary was a pure example of passing on unconditional love to her own children as well as to her grandchildren. She had strong values and had a stable sense of right and wrong. Rosemary was gifted with incredible personal strength. She had an inner beauty and guiding light that shone through in her calm, quiet, and kind nature. She was an excellent listener. She was always looking to be uplifting and encouraging. Rosemary looked for the good in each person and situation with amazing authenticity.

She had purity in her thoughts and actions that manifested as endearing empathy and optimism. She had an authentically unselfish nature. She was kind beyond imagination and words. Rosemary was quiet, but very strong in her ability to listen without judging. For all of us who knew her inner strength, it will be a source of inspiration. Her inner beauty and love will shine forever and she will be deeply missed. Her family's love will always be like her wedding china pattern. It was called "Forget-Me-Not." Rosemary's life will be forever with love in the hearts of her children and her loved ones.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John; sister Joyce Glandon; and brother Glenn Kovanda.

Rosemary is survived by her children David Capek and his wife Denise of Lincoln and Milligan, NE and Marilyn Capek of Winchester, MA, her grandchildren Karel D. Capek of Omaha, NE, Haley and Derrick Peters of Omaha, NE, Morgan Capek of Lincoln, NE, Karl J. Henrikson of Winchester, MA, Melissa Henrikson of Winchester, MA, and Brett Henrikson of Winchester, MA, and her great grandson, Rudy Capek of Omaha, NE, and many loved relatives and friends.

Services for Rosemary will be held Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home -Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home-Kotas Chapel in Milligan. Memorials are directed to the Milligan Rescue Unit or Bohemian National Cemetery.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Rudolph married Mary Anna Hromadka on 14 Feb 1911 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Mary (daughter of John Hromadka and Anna Kral) was born on 14 Aug 1893 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 20 May 1978 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Anna Capek and Edward Smith were their attendents. After their marriage they farmed nearby to his four brothers. They were also members of the Z.C.J.B. Lodge, and active in civic events. (Milligan, p 241).

Frederick married Rose Bulin on 8 Mar 1917. Rose (daughter of Vojtech "Albert" Bulin and Antonie "Tonie" Matejka) was born on 24 Apr 1894 in Saline County, Nebraska; died on 5 Jul 1932 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Papers received from the Katolicky Dalnik, or Catholic Workman Insurance Company, state that John's father was Joseph Capek and his mother was Barbara Jakup. Other information stated he had one brother killed in the army and one sister, but no names were given. (Milligan, p 237).

Jan married Marie Kocal in Aug 1869 in Bohemia. Marie was born on 26 Aug 1847 in Lodenice, Nov? Stra?ec?, Bohemia; died on 3 Dec 1939 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Marie lived with her mother, Mary Kocal, and after Marie, her husband, and small son left for America; her mother married Joseph Krikava and this couple also came to America. The Krikavas had one daugher, Anna, and she married Stephan Hlina. Joseph and Mary Krikava are buried in the Catholic cemetery. (Milligan, p 237).

On the marriage license of her eldes son, Vaclav, she was instead listed as Mary ROZKOT.

Obituary, from FindAGrave

Marie Kocal Capek was born August 26, 1847 in Lodenic, Czechoslovakia. She died after a short illness at the home of her oldest son, Vaclav, Sunday, December 3, 1939, at the age of 92 years, 3 months, and 7 days.

She was united in marriage to Jan Capek August 23, 1869, and in 1880 came to America with her husband and oldest son, Vaclav. They arrived in Baltimore, and from there headed straight west via Chicago to Exeter, where they were met by Frank and Anton Svec, and brought to the Svec home April 27, 1880.

They picked up farm jobs and both hired out as jobs were to be had. After some time they purhased the eighty where their son Anton now lives and built a sod house. Instead of living here, however, they rented a farm from Vaclav Bernasek, which was just a little more improved, and farmed it for eleven years. Then they moved back to the home farm, and commenced to build their fortune with the aid of their family of five boys and one girl. In October,1917, leaving the home place to their son Anton, they moved to Milligan.

After her husband's death June 15, 1934, grandmother continued living in town for about two years. Mrs. Fannie Kunce stayed with her. In November, 1936, with the assistance of her dearest friend and neighbor, Mrs. Albert Placek (deceased) she packed her belongings and moved to the home of her son Frank. The last two and a half years she lived with her son Vaclav.

The deceased is survived by her five sons, Vaclav, Frank, Anton, Joseph, and Rudolph, twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Her only daughter Anne Smith, preceded her in death July 2, 1934.

Notes:

Married:
The couple came to American in 1880, arriving in Baltimore, heading west via Chicago to Exeter. They were met by Frank and Anton Svec. After first working as farm hands for others, they purchased the eighty acres that great grandson Raymond Capek lives on today. The Capek's came to this country with the Herynk family who purchased eighty acres adjoining them. (Milligan, 237).

Notes:

John learned his father's trade of blacksmith. He served in the army in Europe, and came to America at age 22, leaving his family behind. When he arrived in Exeter, Nebraska, he was met by Mr. SLUKA, who he had known in the old country. John practiced the trade of blacksmith and horticulturist while in the army. Neighbors helped him put up a blacksmith shop and purchase tools. His parents were Tomas HROMADKA and Josephine HALOCH. His two sisters were Mary Hromadka, wife of Emil FRANTA of Omaha. His other sister, Rose Hromadka, married Emanuel HAVELKA of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. (Milligan, p 309-310).

John married Anna Kral on 24 Feb 1879 in Fillmore County, Nebraska. Anna (daughter of John Kral and Josephine Hrudicka) was born on 20 Jul 1862 in Nebraska; died on 27 Oct 1922 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The son of Filip KOVANDA and Trezie HEJMANOVA.

Frank married Mary D. Biba about 1892. Mary (daughter of Tomas Biba and Barbora Urbanek) was born on 15 Aug 1857 in Zebnice, Plzen, Bohemia; died in Jan 1945 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After his marriage, he bought 160 acres in Saline County, Nebraska SW1/4 in Section 18 Atlanta Township. Albert was one of the progressive farmers of the community, engaging extensively in pure-bred stock raising of the first Shorthorn Cattle in this community, Percheron horses and Poland China hogs. He raised peacocks and had the first pheasants by ordering eggs from Pennsylvania and hatching them. He also had the first alfalfa grown in the area. (Milligan, p 215)

FindAGrave shows that he was a veteran of World War I.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1910 Census
Nebraska, Saline County, Atlanta Precinct
Enumerated 6 through 9 May 1910
SD 4 ED 116 Sheet 7B
136-138
Bulin, Albert Head M W 45 m1 21 AustBohemian AustBohemian AustBohemian 1868 Na English Farmer
Bulin, Tonie Wf F W 40 m1 21 4/4 AustBohemian AustBohemian AustBohemian 1880 English
Bulin, Mary Dtr F W 20 S Neb AustBohemian AustBohemian English
Bulin, Anna Dtr F W 18 S Neb AustBohemian AustBohemian English
Bulin, Rosie Dtr F W 16 S Neb AustBohemian AustBohemian English
Bulin, Frank Son M W 13 S Neb AustBohemian AustBohemian English
Bulin, Marie Mother F W 69 Wd AustBohemian AustBohemian AustBohemian 1868 Bohemian Own Income
Novak, Anton Hired Man M W 22 S AustBohemian AustBohemian AustBohemian 1903 Al English Farm Laborer
Stich, Frank Hired Man M W 21 S AustBohemian AustBohemian AustBohemian 1906 Al English Farm Laborer

1920 Census
Nebraska, Saline County, Atlanta Prct
Enumerated 9 and 10 Jan 1920
SD 4 ED 124 Sheet 3B
55-55
Bulin, Albert Head M W 54 M 1870 Na 1877 Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia Farmer
Bulin, Antonie Wf F W 50 M 1890 Na 1890 Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia
Bulin, Anna Dtr F W 27 S Neb Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia
Bulin, Frank Son M W 22 S Neb Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia Farm Laborer
Bulin, Eddie Nephew M W 18 S Neb Aust/Bohemia Aust/Bohemia

Vojtech married Antonie "Tonie" Matejka on 15 Jan 1889 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Antonie (daughter of Frantisek "Frank" Matejka and Marie Manzelka) was born on 11 Jul 1870 in Trtice, Nov? Stra?ec?, Bohemia; died on 14 Apr 1956; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In the Milligan Nebraska 1888-1988 book, it was noted that Antonie Matejka was born on June 11, 1840 (p 215) but this appears to be an error. This date of birth would have made her 116 at her date of death. Also, her parents were born in 1835 and 1839 (p 415), and her husband was born in 1864. Her date of birth was probably circa 1870, as it is also noted that "Antonie's father, Frank, and older brother, James came to the country in 1879, and after buying land, sent for his wife....and eight small children....(who traveled) to Bremen, Germany by rail and then boarded a ship to America. Antonie was only nine years old." (p 215)

The Milligan book also notes that "She was devoted to her family and worked diligently for ZCJB Lodge in Milligan and worked for donations and pledges toward the building of the Milligan Auditorium. She also worked for the F.C.D. Organization. Her many handcrafts were appreciated by all and she was a great flower lover and gardener." (Milligan p 215).

It appears that there were TWO Antonie MATEJKA's in or around Milligan, NE who were relatively close in age. There was also an Antonie MATEJKA who was the first wife of Joseph ROHLA, and who was born 22 May 1866 and died 28 May 1943. (Milligan, p 325).

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 Census
Nebraska, Saline County, Atlanta Precinct
Enumerated 4 Apr 1930
ED 76-1 SD 11 Sheet 2A Stamped 112
32-32
Bulin, Frank Head M W 32 D 25 Neb Czech Czech Farmer
Bulin, Antonia Mother F W 59 Wd 19 Czech Czech Czech
Bulin, Anna Sister F W 37 S Neb Czech Czech
Varner, Paul Boarder M W 24 Mo Oh Ind Laborer

Notes:

Married:
Groom's Name: Albert Burlen Groom's Birth Date: 1865 Groom's Birthplace: Bohemia Groom's Age: 24 Bride's Name: Toney Mataka Bride's Birth Date: 1870 Bride's Birthplace: Bohemia Bride's Age: 19 Marriage Date: 15 Jan 1889 Marriage Place: Milligan, Fillmore, Nebraska Groom's Father's Name: James Burlin Groom's Mother's Name: Mary Kosa Bride's Father's Name: Frank Mataka Bride's Mother's Name: Fannie Maleojock Groom's Race: White Groom's Marital Status: Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: White Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M00315-4 System Origin: Nebraska-EASy Source Film Number: 1986904 Reference Number: N1315 P182 Collection: Nebraska Marriages, 1855-1995