Johanna Janous

Family/Spouse: Jan "John" Bedlan. Jan was born about 1852 in Bohemia; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The daughter of John BEDLAN and Johanna JANOUS. (Milligan, p 353).

Anna married Fred E. Kotas on 2 Mar 1897 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Fred (son of Joseph Kotas and Marie Kubicek) was born on 24 Oct 1873 in Liberty Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 20 Jan 1961 in Davenport, Thayer County, Nebraska; was buried in Davenport Cemetery, Thayer County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The daughter of John BEDLAN and Johanna JANOUS. She had six sisters: Lula TISCHER, Emma BEDLAN, Eliza ZEMAN, Mary STEINACHER, Anna KOTAS and Mrs. Lewis ZEMAN, and four brothers, Joe, Emil, Frank and Edward. (Milligan, p 344).

Rose married Emil Koahler on 25 Nov 1896 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Emil (son of Frantisek "Frank" K?hler and Marie "Mary" Zinter) was born on 22 Jun 1870 in Bohemia; died on 10 Dec 1940 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Assumed this is the Frank BEDLAN who "was a brother of Rose Bedlan KOHLER---both children of John BEDLAN and Johanna JANOUS. (Milligan, p 344)."

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 Census
Nebraska, Fillmore County, Franklin Twp
Enumerated Apr 9, 1930
ED 30-12 SD 11 Sheet 1A Stamped 61
8-8
Bedlan, Frank M Head M W 34 M 21 Neb Czech Czech Frmer
Bedlan, Marie A Wf F W 29 M 16 Neb Czech Czech
Bedlan, Irene M Dtr F W 9 S Neb Neb Neb
Bedlan, Ruby R Dtr F W 7 S Neb Neb Neb
Bedlan, Frank D Son M S 4 2/12 S Neb Neb Neb
Bedlan, John A Son M W 3/12 S Neb Neb Neb

Family/Spouse: Marie "Mary" Dlouhy. Marie (daughter of Adolph Dlouhy and Marie A. Cvach) was born on 16 Mar 1901 in Nebraska; died on 13 Aug 1980. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):Census Information:

1930 Census
Nebraska, Nuckolls County, Blaine Precinct
Enumerated April 2, 1930 by Mabel Swigart
ED 55-3 SD 10 Sheet 1A Stamped 151
2-2
Jensen, John Hd M W 38 M 26 Nebraska Denmark Denmark Farme
r General Farm
Jensen, Mamie M Wife F W 32 m 20 Neb Neb Neb
Jensen, Ruby Dtr F W 10 S Neb Neb Neb
Jensen, Margaret Dtr F W 9 S Neb Neb Neb
Jensen, Kenneth Son M W 2 2/12 S Neb Neb Neb
Jensen, Thomas Father M W 72 Wd Denmark Denmark Denmark Danish 1870 Na None

Family/Spouse: John Jensen. John (son of Thomas Jensen and Charlotte Berg) was born on 30 Jan 1892 in Filley, Gage County, Nebraska; died on 2 Mar 1968 in Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):Census Information:

Nebraska, Nuckolls County, Nora Precinct
Enumerated April 15, 1930 by
ED 65-16 SD 10 Sheet 1B
22-22
Jensen, Hans Hd M W 40 M 30 Neb Denmark Denmark Farmer
Jensen, Lillian Wf F W 30 M 21 Neb Neb Neb
Jensen, Eugene Son M W 7 S Neb Neb Neb
Jensen, Betty Dtr F W 1 3/12 S Neb Neb Neb

Lillian married Hans Christian Jensen on 24 Mar 1920 in Hebron, Thayer County, Nebraska. Hans (son of Thomas Jensen and Charlotte Berg) was born on 2 Oct 1889 in Filley, Gage County, Nebraska; died on 18 Jun 1963 in Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary

Kotas -- Joe, 101, Nelson, died Friday (3/1/02). Born, near Oak. Farmer

Survivors: son, Don, Phoenix; daughter, Shirley, Superior; two grandchildren.

Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Megrue-Price Funeral Home, Superior. Evergreen Cemetery, Superior. Visitation: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. until services Tuesday, funeral home. Memorials to Nelson Good Samaritan Center. Megrue-Price Funeral Home, Superior.
SSN 506-48-2621
(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, 2 March 2002 Lincoln Journal Star)

Joseph married Verna Williams on 15 Dec 1934 in Mankato, Jewell County, Kansas. Verna was born on 1 Jul 1904 in Nora, Nuckolls County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Fred married first Hazel Marie RUHGA. After her death, he married second Helen DILLON-PACKARD on September 1, 1977 in Kearney, Nebraska. (Milligan, p 353-354).

Fred married Hazel Marie Ruhga on 14 Mar 1929 in Nelson, Nuckolls County, Nebraska. Hazel was born on 11 Mar 1912 in Nelson, Nuckolls County, Nebraska; died on 4 Jan 1974 in Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Johnston -- Viola Nadine, 95, Nelson, formerly of Oak, widow of John, died Tuesday (7/24/01) at Superior. Born, near Oak.

Survivors: son, John, St. Charles, Mo.; Donna Fishel, Loveland, Colo.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Holst, Davenport; brother, Joseph Kotas, Nelson.

Services: 2 p.m. today, Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, Nelson. Edgar Cemetery. Visitation: 9 a.m. until services, funeral home. Memorials to the Nelson Good Samaritan Center

SSN 507-44-0014

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, 27 July 2001 Lincoln Journal Star)

Viola married John Q. Johnston on 12 Apr 1933 in Nelson, Nuckolls County, Nebraska. John was born on 11 May 1903; died on 18 Jun 1956 in Nelson, Nuckolls County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Holst --?b? ?/b?Mildred J., 87, Davenport, widow of Edward "Jack," died Tuesday (10/16/01) in Deshler. Born, Rural Oak, (4/20/14) to Fred and Anna (Bedlan) Kotas.

Survivors: brother, Joe Kotas, Nelson; nieces and nephews and their families. Preceded in death by parents; brother Fred Kotas, Jr.; sisters, Mamie Jensen, Lilian Jensen, Viola Johnston.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, United Methodist Church, Davenport. Edgar City Cemetery. Visitation: 1-9 p.m. Thursday, Urbauer-Price Funeral Home, Davenport and before services at the church. Memorials to family.

SSN 505-30-3299

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, 17 October 2001 Lincoln Journal Star)

Mildred married Edward N. "Jack" Holst on 1 Nov 1951 in Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska. Edward was born on 13 Dec 1911 in Davenport, Thayer County, Nebraska; died on 19 Feb 1990 in Edgar, Clay County, Nebraska; was buried in Edgar Cemetery, Edgar, Clay County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emma married James Vavra on 26 Jun 1917. James was born on 14 Mar 1896 in Liberty Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 22 Nov 1973; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mollie was killed in a car accident when she was only 52. (Milligan, p 344).

Mollie married Frank Votipka before 1921. Frank was born on 16 Nov 1897; died on 4 Aug 1956; was buried in Exeter Cemetery, Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alice married James Fred Bernasek on 18 Jun 1924 in Belleville, Republic County, Kansas. James (son of Frantisek "Frank" Bernasek and Josefa Fujan) was born on 16 Sep 1901 in Glengary Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 19 Jul 1991 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried on 22 Jul 1991 in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lillian married Edward Vavra on 23 Oct 1930. Edward was born on 12 Aug 1906 in Liberty Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 5 Jul 1995 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Irene M. West, age 91, of Hebron, widow of Lowell "Babe" West, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012 in Hebron. Born March 11, 1921 to Frank and Mary (Dloughy) Bedlan in Ohiowa.

Survivors: step-daughter, Linda and Duane Hume, Bruning; sister, Ruby and Bernard Hinrichs, Bruning; five step-grandchildren; seven step-great grandchildren.

Services at 2 p.m. Friday, July 13, 2012, United Church of Christ, Belvidere. Pastor Eldon and MaryBeth Nicholson. Graveside services: Belvidere Cemetery, Belvidere, Neb. Visitation beginning Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Farmer & Son Funeral Home, Geneva. Memorials are directed to the Belvidere United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com.

Notes:

Ruby R Hinrichs, age 100, of Papillion, Nebraska passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Ruby met her Lord Savior on August 14, 2023. Ruby Peppie Hinrichs, daughter to Frank & Mary (Dlouhy) Bedlan, was born on February 2, 1923 in Ohiowa. Ruby was one of seven children, 3 died of whom in infancy. She attended Country school near Carleton & Ohiowa and graduated from Tobias High School in 1940.

She continued her education, and obtained a Normal Training Degree. Ruby taught in country schools near Bruning and Carleton for five years. She then worked at the Bruning Air Base during World War II. Ruby also taught Sunday School at Ohiowa Church for 14 years and served as a 4-H Leader for 15 years. She was a member of the South Lutheran Church and later transferred to St. John's in Ohiowa.

She married Earl Peppie on February 20, 1945. To this union three children were born: Jackie, Mary Beth and Gary. Earl passed away on December 15, 1973.

Ruby then moved to Geneva and worked at YDC (Youth Development Center) for 13 years. Ruby met Bernard Hinrichs, and the two were married on January 25, 1986. Bernard passed away on September 18, 2013. She became a member of Bruning Trinity Lutheran Church and a Member of Circle II. She was also a member of the American Legion Aux, Hebron Hospital Guild. Ater Bernard's death, she moved to Papillion and lived out her remaining years at Trinity Village.

Ruby was active in her recent years quilting for the Quilts of Valor. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Irene West (Lowell), brothers, John & Frank D Bedlan, daughter, Mary Beth Harrold, and son-in-law, Kenneth Mach. She was survived by daughter, Jackie Mach & friend Terry, son-in-law, Jimmy Harrold, and son, Gary (Carol) Peppie. Six grandchildren, eleven great children, three step great grandchildren, and one great great grandson. Services will be held Saturday, August 20th at Trinity Church in Papillion at 10:00 with burial at 3:30 at the Ohiowa cemetery. As many know Ruby's family was very important to her, and she enjoyed creating many memories. She was lucky to enjoy many generations of her family while living an active life to 100 years old.

Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, From Kahle-Dolce Funeral Home

Ruby married Earl Leslie Peppie on 20 Feb 1945. Earl was born on 1 Oct 1918 in Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 15 Dec 1973 in Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Ohiowa Public Cemetery, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ruby married Bernard Allen Hinrichs after 1973. Bernard was born on 6 May 1925 in Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 18 Sep 2013 in Hebron, Thayer County, Nebraska; was buried in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Bruning, Thayer County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John A. Bedlan, 80, of Cheyenne, Wyo., was born Dec. 10, 1929, in Ohiowa to Frank and Mary Bedlan.

He worked on the Union Pacific Railroad in the Signal Department from 1950 to 1952 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country on the USS Frontier destroyer, as an Interior Communications Specialist. The ship docked in Japan for several months at a time. He was honorably discharged in April 1956 and returned to work for the Union Pacific Railroad.

He married LaRhee Kay Greenwood in April of 1957. To this union was born a daughter, Deborah Kay and a son, John Jay. They lived in several communities in Kansas before moving to Cheyenne in November 1962 for his position as Signal Battery Supervisor. He retired on disability in 1983, due to heart problems. In 1985 they moved to Lewellen divorcing in 1995. In 1996 he moved back to Cheyenne, where he lived until his death.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and having coffee with his friends.

John is survived by his daughter, Deborah Kay (Joseph) Person, of Cheyenne; son, John Jay (Sherrie) Bedlan, of North Platte; a granddaughter, Jillanne Person, of Cheyenne; four grandsons, Dustan Person, of Cheyenne, Nicholas Bedlan and his fianc?, Jordan Max, both of North Platte, Joshua Bedlan and Brandon Bedlan, both of Omaha; two sisters, Ruby (Bernard) Hinrichs, of Bruning, Irene West, of Hebron; sister-in-law, Donna Bedlan, of Hebron; great-granddaughter, Skylar Bedlan, of North Platte; several nieces, nephews; a host of friends; and his beloved dog, Barbie.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank "Bud" Bedlan; infant twin sisters; an infant brother; and two brothers-in-law, Earl Peppie and Lowell West.
Services will be Friday, June 18, at 3:30 p.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel with Nadine Korhonen officiating.

Burial will follow at Beth El Cemetery. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nptelegraph/obituary.aspx?n=john-bedlan&pid=143606387#fbLoggedOut

Notes:

Margaret Williams June 24, 2006
Christian Biography of Margaret Williams

Margaret LoRayne Williams, the daughter of John and Mamie (Kotas) Jensen, was born on November 9, 1920 on a farm near Nora, Nebraska. She passed away on June 24, 2006 at the Nelson Good Samaritan Center in Nelson, Nebraska at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 15 days.

Margaret completed her elementary education at a country school. She attended high school in Nora, Nebraska graduating with the class of 1938. World War II interrupted marriage plans for she and her future husband Walster Williams. Margaret worked in Lincoln, Nebraska and Long Beach, California during the war. On Dec. 2, 1945 she was united in marriage to Walster at the Methodist Church in Nora. To this union, a son Roger was born. In November of 1963, a niece Debra Jensen came to live with Margaret and Walster after her father, Kenneth's death in 1959 and her mother, Dorothy's death in 1963.

At the time of her death Margaret was a member of the Nelson Community United Church of Christ. She had served as a pianist there for several years. She was active in church and social groups in the Nora, Ruskin and Nelson areas. She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Cooking was one of her special talents. All of her grandchildren will especially remember the cookies. When Walster had help from time to time, all enjoyed the noon meals she prepared.

Due to declining health she became a resident of the Nelson Good Samaritan Center on September 30, 2004. For several years Margaret always reserved Fridays to visit the residents there.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Walster, two brothers, Kenneth and Jack and one sister Ruby Hanthorn. She is survived by her son Roger and wife Sue of Nora, Nebraska and her special niece who they raised, Debra Corman and husband Mike of Grand Island, Nebraska. Five grandchildren, Tyler Williams and wife Megan of Ohiowa, Nebraska, Lance Williams and wife Katie of Nora, Nebraska, Sarah Williams of Hays, Kansas, Kendra Beckstead and husband John of Grand Island, Nebraska, Blake Corman and his special friend, Jill Hudnall of Grand Island, Nebraska, two great-grandchildren, Clay Williams of Nora, Nebraska and Layton Beckstead of Grand Island, Nebraska along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


services were held on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 2:00 PM from the Nelson Community United Church of Christ in Nelson, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. Stephen Berry officiating. Special Music by Tom Jensen and Stephanie Thayer with Carlita Erickson as organist. Pallbearers were Dennis Lanham, Mike Thayer, Ed Epley, Jim Lynch, Rodney Ward, and Tom Uecker Honorary pallbearers were Lee Clabaugh, Don Biltoft, Clarence Gebers , Ed Schultz and Walter Eggers. Interment was in the Nora Cemetery south of Nora, Nebraska. A memorial has been established and may go in care of the family. Condolences may be sent in care of ?u?www.pricefuneralhomes.com ?/u? Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements. (Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Family/Spouse: Walster "Walt" Williams. Walster was born on 7 Aug 1917 in Nora, Nuckolls County, Nebraska; died on 4 May 2000 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jensen -- Eugene, 74, Nelson, died Tuesday (4/14/98) in Superior. Born, near Nora. Survivors: brothers, Loren Jensen, Edgar, Darrell Jensen, Superior; seven nephews. Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nelson Community United Church of Christ, Nelson. Nora Cemetery. Visitation: Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Klawitter-Price Funeral Home

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Notes:

Loren Fred Jensen was born on May 31, 1931 on a farm just north of Nora, Nebraska to Hans and Lillian (Kotas) Jensen. Loren passed away peacefully after a long illness at the Good Samaritan nursing home in Superior on August 26th, 2016. He was 85 years old.

Loren was born during the Depression and farming was a struggle. His father, Hans, moved his family from rural Nora to a wheat farm near Delphos, Kansas when Loren was about three years old and then to Idaho five years later after Hans was told there were many jobs in that area. But Hans found good jobs were scarce and he moved his family back to Nebraska on what was known as the "Simic Place" before settling three and a half miles northwest of Oak where Loren would later farm in his adult life.

Loren last attended grade school and completed the eighth grade at the Carlin country school near the farm. Loren went on to high school and graduated in 1949 from Nelson High where he played football and was a starting guard on the basketball team. He also loved the agriculture classes and joined in nearly every extracurricular activity that was offered.

After graduating from high school, Loren joined the Marines as a Reserve and was called up in 1952. He was stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina for two months, but his father's failing health led to an early discharge for Loren so he could return home and help with the family farming operation.

On May 24th, 1953, Loren was united in marriage to Cloma King, daughter of Ivan and Luella (Kinnison) King of Angus. To this marriage was born three sons, Tom, Terry and Todd. Initially Loren and Cloma lived in Angus, but eight months after Tom was born, they moved to the family farm after Hans decided to retire.

Loren and Cloma divorced and on May 2nd, 1980 Loren married Barb (Crouch) McLaughlin the daughter of Harold and Janet (Scroggin) Crouch. Loren and Barb resided in Millbrook, Alabama for nearly two years before returning to live in Edgar for a short time prior to buying a home in Nelson in which they lived 13 years. They left Nelson in 1994 to move into Barb's childhood home after the passing of her parents and that is where Loren called home at the time of his death.

Loren had many interests and passions in his life. Number one was his family but a close second was all Husker sports, especially Nebraska football. In retirement, Loren became literally a world-renowned expert in increasing the population of Bluebirds. He maintained ninety-nine bluebird boxes, almost all of which he built, and it was not uncommon for him to oversee the hatch of 500 Bluebirds in a season. This led to Loren receiving phone calls from as far away as Canada with requests for his Blue Birding secrets.

Loren was extremely active in his communities, serving on many boards including at one time being the President of the Nuckolls County Extension Board and the Oak School Board.

Loren was a much sought-after master of ceremonies because of his easy style at the podium, deep speaking voice and his quick wit. He also announced many community events and was proud to be known as "The Voice of the Tigers" when he began announcing Nelson High School football games in the fall of 1966 which he would continue to do through the 1977 season including the 1975 state championship year.

One of Loren's proudest accomplishments as a farmer was the establishment of a registered Shorthorn cow herd that grew from a single heifer to nearly 40 cows. It was something he shared with his brother, Eugene, who served as secretary of this business with the primary responsibility of coming up with registered names.

After marrying Barb, Loren gave up day to day activity on the farm and eventually sold his prized Shorthorns. This allowed Loren to scratch off most of the things on his "Bucket List."

He was able to spend two months each winter at South Padre Island in Texas where he nearly put Oysters--his favorite seafood--on the endangered species list after trying to eat all of them at every restaurant in the area. His favorite place was an eatery called "Dirty Al's" and one of Loren's greatest accomplishments was getting a picture taken with Dirty Al himself.

Loren and Barb also traveled to Estes Park twice a year, attended all the Husker football home games and many bowl games too. They took several other trips as well including a trek to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1986 to follow the Oak Softball fast pitch team play in the National Tournament. Loren and Barb were Oak Softball's number one fans, and rarely'97if ever'97missed a game.

In his final years of being able to travel Loren really enjoyed going to all of Elkhorn High School's football games to watch his grandson, Bryan, play. Loren never got to attend Bryan's college games at Midland University in Fremont but remained Bryan's number one fan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Wilma and Betty and his brother Eugene.

Loren is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barb of Edgar; His sons, Tom and wife Jackie of Nelson; Terry of Nelson; Todd of Oak; step-son John McLaughlin and wife, Jodi, of Hastings; step-son Mark McLaughlin and wife Deb of Elkhorn; grandsons, Terrance Jensen, Vince Jensen, Josh McLaughlin, Bryan McLaughlin; granddaughters, Kaela Baumbach, Abby Jensen, Amanda Jensen, Ashley McLaughlin and seven great-grandchildren; brother Darrell Jensen and wife Donna of Superior, NE; nieces, nephews other relatives and his many friends.

Funeral services will be held this Monday 10:00 AM, August 29, 2016 at the Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Edgar, NE. Pastor Ralph Sturdy will be officiating. Family burial will be held in the Evergreen Cemetery, Superior, NE. Condolences may be sent to the family at wmsfh.com.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Family/Spouse: Cloma Rae King. Cloma was born on 7 Feb 1936 in Angus, Nuckolls, Nebraska; died on 8 Jul 2021 in Superior, Nuckolls County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Vavra -- Leslie D., 83, Geneva, died Monday (1/29/01). Born, Friend.

Survivors: wife, Evelyn A.; sons, Jerry, Gates, Ore., Paul, Cheyenne, Wyo., Michael, Wichita, Kan., Joel, Crete; daughters, Connie Koenig, Brunswick, Md., Ann Rhoads, Wichita, Paula Anderson, Geneva; brother, Milton, Milligan; 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Friday, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Geneva. Church cemetery. Visitation: beginning 1 p.m. Thursday, Farmer & Son Funeral Home, Geneva. Rosary: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, funeral home. Memorials to family in lieu of flowers.

Leslie married Evelyn Ann Kempkes on 15 May 1939 in Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Evelyn was born on 26 Jul 1921 in Crete, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 22 May 2016 in Fairmont, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Milton married Virginia Mary Wright on 2 Sep 1947 in Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Virginia was born on 26 Mar 1927 in Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 11 Oct 2012 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas D. Votipka, 87, of Exeter, Neb., died Sunday (12/13/09) in Friend, Neb. Born to Frank and Mollie (Kohler) Votipka on October 1, 1922 at Exeter, Neb.
Survivors: wife, Lea Ann, Exeter; sons, Bob and wife Barb, Exeter, Ron and wife Michele, Roca; daughter, Marsha Turbett, Lincoln; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren.
Funeral services 10 a.m. Thursday, St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter, Neb. Rosary service at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter. Visitation 1 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Farmer Funeral Home, Exeter. Memorials are directed to the Exeter American Legion, St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter or Friend Rescue Squad. Military graveside services Exeter Cemetery, Exeter, Neb. Farmer and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

(From the December 15, 2009 Lincoln Journal Star, courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Notes:

A Funeral Service for Czech will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Milligan Auditorium in Milligan, Nebraska. Kim Dunker will preside over the Funeral Service.

A Graveside Service will be held in the Bohemian National Cemetery following the Funeral Service.

A Public Visitation will be held at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Geneva Rescue Squad.

Norris Dean "Czech" Bernasek was born to Jim & Alice (Kohler) Bernasek on June 5, 1935 in Glengary Township, Fillmore County on a farmstead. He passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Fillmore County Hospital at the age of 86 years, 7 months, and 24 days. He was the only child born to this union.

Norris attended Country School District 34, just off of Highway 41 when he was 4 years old. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1952. He played high school sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, Norris attended Hastings College on a football scholarship. Norris joined the Army a few years later but was released in early 1959 to come home and help his father with the farm.

Norris married Lois on May 18, 1958. Through their union of marriage, 4 children were born: Cindi, Kevin, Michelle, and Tami.

Norris and Lois divorced and Norris married Nancy Kalvoda on October 12, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through marriage, He acquired two step children: Christina and Cassandra, who he raised like his own.

Norris loved music. In his younger years, he played drums in various bands, including the Platte Valley Countrymen Band.

In their time together, Norris and Nancy enjoyed dancing, fishing, boating, and camping in luxury at Kansas Lakes Lovewell and Glen Elder. Gambling was another activity they both enjoyed doing together. Norris also enjoyed gardening including tilling the ground, planting, watering, and watching his crops grow. Norris was always a lover of animals, going so far as to name his cattle, with his favorite being "Shakey." Norris was also a huge sports fan and hardly missed a game by his favorite teams, often sitting in his recliner watching intently.

Norris was preceded in death by his parents, Jim & Alice Bernasek; and granddaughters Brittany Rainey and Anasthasta Rainey.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Kalvoda; children Cynthia (Bernasek) & Mike Andreasen, Kevin Bernasek & significant other Karen Hoffman, Michelle (Bernasek) Lemke, Tami (Bernasek) & Ken Vodicka, Christina (Kalvoda) & Tod Davenport and Cassandra (Kalvoda) Wilkerson; and grandchildren Danny, Jeff, Jill, Charlotte, Allie, Sydney, Tyler, Trevor, Tristian, Dylan, Sarah, Anna, Maddison, Davis, Harper, Tristan, Hunter, Dominic, Savannah, and Blakely; and great grandchildren Boden, Hayden, Codie, Riley, Ryan, Brenden, Link, Clara, Mila, Bristol, Katherine and Kaden.


(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, from Farmer & Son Funeral Home)

Notes:

A Memorial Service for Stu will be held on Monday, December 31, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Milligan Auditorium in Milligan, Nebraska. Kim Dunker will officiate the service.

A private family committal of ashes will take place in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Stuart Lee Vavra was born on April 11, 1941, on the family farm north of Milligan, Nebraska, to Edward and Lillian (Kohler) Vavra and passed away on December 28, 2018, at his home at the age of 77 years, 8 months, and 17 days. He was one of three children in the family.

He attended rural school District #6 and graduated from eighth grade. He then attended Milligan High School and graduated in 1958 with a class of seven. Stuart was united in marriage to Janet Ann Garrett, on March 8, 1963, in Geneva, Nebraska. To this union two daughters were born: Jana Marie and Jodene Renae. Together they made their home on the farm northwest of Milligan.

Stuart worked for Lincoln Prestress, Dobson Brothers, Maury Nichols, Fillmore County, and L.J. Webb from working in the oilfields of Wyoming as a roustabout, operating heavy equipment and later building bridges and boxed culverts. He farmed the 80 acres he lived on, but his true passion was fabricating race cars. "Super Stu" started his racing career in 1958 at the age of 17 at Capitol Beach in Lincoln. The first car he ever raced was a 1932 Ford Sedan with an Olds Rocket 88 engine with the #6X. In 1967 he raced and drove a 1936 Plymouth Coupe with the #35 and his last car he ever raced was a 1979 purple Chevy Camaro. He had a very devoted pit crew, sponsors and many fans which made his success possible. During his racing career, he placed in the top ten in season points every year from 1967-1982. He met many dear friends and racers traveling from racetrack to racetrack. In 1982 after 24 years of capturing the checkered flag and competing at 17 different race tracks throughout Nebraska and Kansas, he decided to hang up his racing helmet. Super Stu was inducted into the Beatrice Speedway Hall of Fame on November 1, 2003, was a long-time member of the Central Nebraska Racing Association, and a member of the Good Old Time Racing Association (GOTRA). After Stu retired from circling the racetracks, he spent his later years helping his twin grandsons work on their race cars and giving them advice in his shop over a beer or two. He drew great pride in watching them compete.

He also enjoyed attending his granddaughter's school events, fishing with them, and giving each of them driving lessons. He was extremely proud of all the grandchildren's' accomplishments.

After the passing of Janet, he reconnected with a dear life-long friend, Mary Drake. Their friendship started six decades ago with her late husband, Ike Drake. Stu, Janet, Ike, Mary and all their children shared many years of fun and memories. Over the past five years, Stu and Mary continued to enjoy each other's company and made many more memories.

Stu was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents, Edward and Lillian Vavra; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pete and Edna Garrett; brother-in-law, Victor Hladky; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dean and Charlotte Garrett; and niece Shelby Lemke.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Billy Slezak of Milligan; daughter and son-in-law, Jodene and Tom Lovegrove of Fairmont; grandchildren, Shane and wife Jasmine Slezak; Shawn and wife Jennifer Slezak; Taylor Slezak and fianc? Joey Gilmer all of Milligan; Whitney Lovegrove and Sydney Lovegrove of Fairmont; sister, Shirley Hladky of Seward; brother and sister-in-law, Edwin and Beth Vavra of Milligan; special friend,
Mary Drake of Dorchester and family; great grandchildren Noah, Lily, Kaydence, Jade and Lennon; special furry companion, Zoie; nieces and nephew and a host of other relatives and friends.

Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, from Farmer and Sons Funeral Home

Stuart married Janet Ann Garrett on 8 Mar 1963 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Janet was born on 5 May 1940 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 18 Dec 2012 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]