Marie Zdenek

Family/Spouse: Frantisek "Frank" Becwar. Frantisek was born about 1829 in Nezamyslice, Pisek, Bohemia; died on 15 Aug 1900 in Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Nebraska, Fillmore County, Madison Twp
Enumerated 8 Jun 1900
SD 4 Ed 30 Sheet 4B
43-43
Becwar, Anton Head W M Jun 1861 38 M 17 Bohemia Bohemia Bohemia 1869 Farmer
Becwar, Mary Wf W F Mar 1859 41 M 17 10/7 Bohemia Bohemia
Becwar, Tina Dtr W F Oct 1884 15 S Neb Bohemia Bohemia At School
Becwar, Charley Son W M Jan 1889 11 S Neb Bohemia Bohemia Farm Laborer
Becwar, Katie Dtr F W Nov 1890 10 S Neb Bohemia Bohemia
Becwar, Annie Dtr W F Aug 1892 7 S Neb Bohemia Bohemia
Becwar, Tonett Son (???) W M Dec 1893 Neb Bohemia Bohemia***
Becwar, Josis Dtr W F Mar 1896 4 S Neb Bohemia Bohemia
Becwar, Mary Dtr W F May 1900 1/12 S Neb Bohemia Bohemia

***Might this be daughter Antonia?

Anton married Marie "Mary" Bures on 27 Nov 1883. Marie (daughter of Frantisek "Frank" Bures and Mary Kroupa) was born on 25 Apr 1860 in Bohemia; died on 9 Oct 1933 in Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Shown as Matthew on the 1880 census.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 Census
Nebraska, Saline County, Olive Precinct
ED 76-16 SD 11 Sheet 5B
Enumerated April 30, 1930
106-106
Becwar, Mike Hd M W 57 M 24 Neb Czech Czech Farmer
Becwar, Josephine Wf F W 57 M 24 Ill Czech Czech
Becwar, August Son M W 18 S Neb Neb Ill Farm Laborer
Becwar, Vlasty Dtr F W 14 S Neb Neb Ill

Matej married Josephine Bech on 23 Feb 1897. Josephine (daughter of Johann "Jan" Bech and Anna Kotas) was born on 26 Sep 1870 in Kozojedy, Plzen, Bohemia; died on 24 Jul 1951 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She married a Vavra. (Milligan, p193).

Family/Spouse: Frank Vavra. Frank was born before 1890; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Katherine married Emil Anton Kuska on 14 Feb 1912. Emil was born on 6 Aug 1882 in Nebraska; died on 1 Dec 1971 in Fairmont, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She married a Stofer. (Milligan, p193).

Notes:

She married a Menke. (Milligan, p193).

JOSEPHINE MENKE 17 Mar 1896 May 1983 89102 (Las Vegas, Clark, NV ) (none specified) 506-48-6284 Nebraska

Notes:

She married a Mr. Miner. (Milligan, p193).

Notes:

Mike was an accordian player and for a time had a band, playing for house parties and dance halls. Back then, whenever someone emptied a granary or hay mow it was not unusual to get a dance set up. During the late 1930's, Mike worked for the Corn-Hog program. He served for several years on the P.M.A. and AAA Programs as County Committeeman. He was also onthe Board of Directors fo the Federal Land Bank in the area. After he retired, he continued to help his son Leonard at the farm, and later at his tavern. (Milligan, p 195).

Matej married Mollie Marie Kuska on 22 Aug 1922. Mollie (daughter of John Kuska, Sr. and Mary Stetina) was born on 10 Mar 1907 in Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 29 Jun 1973; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He attended District #6 school. (Milligan, p 193). He played the drums with his nephew, Leonard Becwar and was active in the Knights of Pythias. (Milligan, p 194).

Frank married Agnes Kuss on 8 Nov 1921 in Fairbury, Jefferson County, Nebraska. Agnes (daughter of John Kuss and Frances Yeck) was born on 26 Aug 1902; died on 9 Jul 1984 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: James Jerry Tesar. James (son of John Tesar, Sr. and Anezka "Agnes" Svec) was born on 24 Apr 1899 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 25 Dec 1977 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

....Anna, Mrs. Joe Jirkovsky, later Mrs. LeRoy Foster. (Milligan, p 195)

SSN 506-34-1155

LeRoy E. Foster
DOB 28 June 1899
DOD 18 Aug 1988
in Geneva, Fillmore County
LeRoy SSN: 500-07-3173

Family/Spouse: Joseph Jirkovsky, Jr. Joseph (son of Joseph Jirkovsky, Sr. and Marie "Mary" Baloun) was born about 1896 in Nebraska; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Svec -- Rose Marie, 92, Milligan, died Friday (2/5/99). Born, Milligan. Survivors: sons, daughter-in-law, Leslie and Cheri, Louis, all Milligan; sister, Val and Winn Knight, Buhl, Ind.; two grandsons; greatgrandson.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Farmer & Son Funeral Home, Milligan. Burial, Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan. Visitation: beginning 1 p.m. today, funeral home. Memorials in care of the family.

(Courtesy Dennis Belohlavy, Lincoln Star Journal Archives)

Family/Spouse: Louis J. Svec. Louis (son of Joe Svec and Anna Schultz) was born on 6 Jun 1904 in Nebraska; died on 30 Jul 1990. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Emma attended District #67 country school to the seventh grade, and them moved to Tobias, where she graduated from Tobias High School in 1928. She helped her parents on their farm. (Milligan, p 338).

Emma married James Koca on 29 Apr 1930 in York, York County, Nebraska. James (son of Albert Koca and Ruzena "Rosie" Simic) was born on 13 Aug 1905 in Glengary Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died in service during the Second World War.

Family/Spouse: Winifred G. Knight. Winifred was born on 2 May 1918; died on 14 Sep 2005 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Melvin Moore. Melvin was born before 1911. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alice married Stephen Kovanda on 19 May 1928. Stephen (son of Frank T. Kovanda and Mary D. Biba) was born on 26 Dec 1895 in Nebraska; died on 27 Oct 1944 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Donald E. Kuska, 97, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa died on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Trinity Bettendorf.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Asbury United Methodist Church of Bettendorf where he was a longtime and faithful member. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Monday at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf where a Masonic service will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the Farmer Funeral Home in Milligan, Nebraska. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 A.M. at the Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan. Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, the Iowa Masonic Health Facility of Bettendorf or the family for the great-grandchildren's education.

He was born June 12, 1915 in Fillmore County, Nebraska, the son of Emil Anton & Katherine (Becwar) Kuska and was a graduate of the University of Nebraska. On June 1, 1940, he was united in marriage to Camille M. Conger in Lincoln, Nebraska. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2009.

Don was employed as an engineer for the J.I. Case Company of Bettendorf from 1971 until his retirement in 1983. In earlier years, he was the Chief Engineer for the Oliver Corporation of South Bend, Indiana from 1950 to 1971.

In addition to the church, he was a member of Hamilton Masonic Lodge, #664 of Bettendorf, the Davenport Scottish Rite, the Hi-Twelve Club where he was past-president, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural engineers where he received an award for 75 years of membership.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Cindy Buchman of Bettendorf; his grandchildren, Dominick Marcott, Danielle (Brian) Temple, Aaron (Heather) Buchman and Jennifer Buchman; his great-grandchildren, Adelynn & Avery Temple, Charlie Camille Buchman and Kira & Maximus Marcott; along with other relatives and many wonderful friends. In addition to his wife, Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Potenzo in 1990 and his brothers, Melvin & William.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Donald married Camille M. Conger on 1 Jun 1940 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. Camille was born on 19 Jun 1917 in Cody, Park County, Wyoming; died on 15 Jul 2009 in Bettendorf, Scott County, Iowa; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Leonard was a farmer. He also worked in agricultural sales, being employed by Nebr-Kansas-Colorado Grain Company, A.C.E. Supply and Equipment, and later as factory manager at the Fairmount Air Base. After his parents retired, he moved back to the farm. In 1968, due to his failing eyesight, he purchased a tavern in Milligan. (Milligan, p 195).

In Memory of
Leonard M. Becwar
From the Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy

Leonard Mike Becwar was born August 22, 1924 to Mike Becwar Jr and Mollie (Kuska) Becwar on a farm north of Milligan and passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2008 at the Friend Manor in Friend at the age of 83 years 6 months and 11 days. He attended rural school Dist #6 north of Milligan and graduated from Milligan High School in 1941 where he played the clarinet in the band. After graduation Leonard farmed with his father.

On August 28, 1945, he was united in marriage to DeLores "Dee" Witfoth at the Methodist Parsonage in Friend and to this union three children, Kenneth, Dawn and Mark were born.

They farmed south of Friend on DeLores's grandfather's farm. They moved to a farm 1/8 of a mile east of her folks, then to a farm south of Exeter and after two years they moved to Ohiowa. Leonard worked with the NKC Grain Company and NKC promoted him to Ace Supply at Fairmont. He soon was transferred to Salina KS with the Grain Co of Simpson, Laybourn, Miller and Stark. Leonard traveled for this company throughout Nebraska and Kansas. In 1958, he returned to Fairmont to manage the Ace Supply Co at the airbase.

After a retina detachment, he moved to his parent's home place north of Milligan when they retired. While on the farm, he started a small musical combo consisting of his Uncle Frank Becwar on drums and Leonard on accordion. When Uncle Frank couldn't go to dance jobs, Leonard took his daughter Dawn or son Mark to drum. Leonard had always loved music and his father taught him to play the button accordion before he started to school, allowing him to play with his father at dances. Leonard and his cousin Ernie Becwar played at a talent contest and won a diamond ring which they gave to their cousin Darlene. They had the ring appraised and found it to be worth only $2.00... but were still happy they had won the contest. Because of poor eyesight, he learned to play instruments by ear and while in high school, his music teacher noted that he couldn't see the notes, but was an excellent musician and encouraged him to keep up the good work.

His eyesight continued to fail and he purchased the LB Inn in Milligan where he enjoyed visiting with friends and hosting bands. After giving up his driver's license and he started a recording business "LB Tapes" and recorded combos and small groups. Successful eye surgery allowed him to regain his driver's license and he sold the bar and started his advertising business, selling for Zenith Pictorial and Waco Advertising. With this new vision also came his big band dream. The Leonard Becwar Orchestra "The LB Band" played for wedding and anniversary dances and more. All the members were treasured for their musical abilities and friendship. Leonard also sang with the Milligan Czech Brass Band for several years. At the Doane Czech Program, in his absence due to ill health, his chair was filled with a small black teddy bear donning a similar band vest and a tiny accordion with the Becwar name on it; a special gift and featured in the Lincoln Journal story. Leonard's love for polka music gained him a spot in the Polka Hall of Fame in Omaha NE and he also was a charter member of the Musicians' Hall of Fame at Milligan.

After an invitation to sponsor a tour to the Oktoberfest in Munich Germany, Leonard and Dee started a tour business, arranging more than 90 tours with over 900 people over 20 years. Many of his home town people traveled with him to Czechoslovakia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria, along with sightseeing tours to Canada and most of the US. Polka tours covered Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho and Southern states.

Leonard was a member and past Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He also belonged to the Milligan Community Club and enjoyed his part in organizing the Centennial Celebration of Milligan in 1988. He served on the Milligan Town Board, Milligan Fire & Rescue, and was a member of the Milligan United Methodist Church, later transferring to the Friend United Methodist Church.

With his failing health, they sold their Milligan home in 2005 and moved to Friendship Terrace in Friend. Leonard was admitted to the Friend Manor on March 1, 2006 and he enjoyed participating in various activities. Leonard and his wife had enjoyed entertaining at the Friend Manor for several years and he often played his accordion while a resident the past two years. Highlights include members of his former band, Sue and Blue River Czechs, playing for the residents to celebrate his 82nd birthday, their 61st wedding anniversary.

Leonard is survived by his wife, DeLores, Friend, daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Douglas Mundt, Crete, son, Mark Becwar, Lincoln, grandchildren, spouses and great grandchildren include Shannon and Shaun Mee and their children Autumn, Allison, Austin, Ashlyn and Aiden, Colorado Springs, CO, Jennifer Becwar and Matt Daringer and their children, Scoie and Cooper, Lincoln, Kamron Becwar, Seattle, WA, Chad and Keri Becwar and children Austin & Jordyn, Lincoln, Chandler Becwar, Wray, CO, Jarod and Stacey Mundt, Papillion, Julie and Jared Rohrs, Lincoln, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Mollie Becwar, son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Sandy Becwar, brother, LeRoy Becwar and parents in-law, Clarence and Bertha Witfoth.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the Milligan Auditorium, with Rev. Paixao Baptista officiating. Interment in the Milligan Bohemian Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday from 1pm ? 9pm at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home with the family greeting relatives and friends from 4-6pm. Visitation also one hour before the service in Milligan. Memorials have been established to the Friend United Methodist Church, the Warren Memorial Hospital Foundation, or directed in care of the family. Pallbearers are Gayle Becwar, Glaen Kuska, Jon Halama, Wm. Slezak III, Roger Brandt and Steve Rodenbaugh. Honored Guests are anyone who played with The Becwar Band. Pianist, Deb Brunkow, accompanied the congregation as they sang "Because He Lives". Sue Underwood, Galen Beck, Kelly Homolka and Randy Korbelik played and sang "When Our Paths Meet" and "Pisnicka Ceska".

Leonard married Delores "Dee" Eleanor Witfoth on 28 Aug 1945 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska. Delores (daughter of Clarence C. Witfoth and Bertha O. Kasl) was born on 11 Apr 1925 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 2 May 2009 in Crete, Saline County, Nebraska; was buried on 6 May 2009 in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Becwar -- LeRoy J., 66, Davenport, died Friday (1/15/99). Grew up on a farm between Exeter and Milligan. Attended grade school at District 6. 4-H leader. Received many 4-H and academic honors. Veteran, Korean War in U.S. Army Signal Corp. Attended, Radio Engineering and Electronic School, Omaha. Owner, operator, LeRoy's TV since 1955, Davenport. Past president, Lion's Club. Past commander, adjutant and chaplain, American Legion Post 335, Davenport. Member, VFW Post 10579, Lily Masonic Lodge 154 AF & AM, Davenport, Saline Center WFLA Lodge 389, Davenport Town Board for several years, Davenport Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians. Entertained at many functions, schools and organizations with feats of magic and comedy.

Survivors: wife, Irene; son, daughter-in-law, Gayle and Cindy, Lincoln; daughters, sons-in-law, Joyce and Jeff Chleboun, Schuyler, Janene and Mark Harris, Lincoln, Janis and West Pierce, Omaha; brother, sister-in-law, Leonard and DeLores, Milligan; grandchildren, Jennifer and Amy Chleboun, Emmy Lou and Eric Harris, Christa Pierce; nephews; nieces; cousins. Preceded in death by parents, Mike and Mollie Becwar; nephew, spouse, Ken and Sandy Becwar.

Services: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, United Methodist Church, Davenport. Burial: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan. Visitation: today, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 9-10:30 a.m., UrbauerPrice Funeral Home, Davenport; two hours before services, church.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, Lincoln Journal Star Archives, 19 Jan 1999).

LeRoy married Irene Kotas on 9 Dec 1954 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Irene (daughter of Joe Albert Kotas and Julia J. Brejcha) was born on 6 Nov 1935 in Nebraska; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He graduated from Exeter Highs School in 1939, and farmed with his father until he entered the service on December 22, 1944. He trained at Fort Hood in Texas, and left for overseas duty in May 1945, stationed in Luzon, Philippines and Yokohoma, Japan as a station master. He was discharged November 18, 1946 and had attained the rank of sergeant. Upon returning home, he resumed farming, and played the drums with several local polka dance bands. (Milligan, Nebraska, 1988-2008, pp. 108-109).

Becwar - Ernest F., 81, Exeter, died Sunday (6/29/03). Born, Exeter (5/9/22) to Frank and Agnes (Kuss) Becwar. Retired farmer.

Survivors: wife, Frances, Exeter; sons, daughters-in-law, Larry and Nancy, Henderson, Nev., Jack and Lori, Lincoln; sister, brother-in-law, Darlene and Emil Krejdl, Milligan; six grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Wednesday, United Methodist Church, Exeter. The Rev. Tessa Louch. Exeter Cemetery. Visitation: 1-9 p.m. today, Farmer & Son Funeral Home, Exeter. Memorials to Alzheimer's Association, Exeter American Legion, or Exeter United Methodist Church.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Ernest married Frances M. Hladky on 6 Jun 1944 in Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. Frances (daughter of Frank Hladky and Helen Novak) was born on 11 May 1926 in Pleasant Hill, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 27 May 2021 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried in Exeter Cemetery, Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Darlene married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Arlene attended Peru State Teachers College and taught in rural District #33 and #5. She later managed the Milligan Co-op Grocery Store. (Milligan, p 312).

Arlene married Ralph MIlo Hromadka on 22 Feb 1946 in York, York County, Nebraska. Ralph (son of Frank Hromadka and Anna Herynk) was born on 10 Mar 1922 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died in Jul 1995. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A Funeral Service for Lorene will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at the Milligan United Methodist Church in Milligan, Nebraska with Pastor Murry Johnston and Kim Dunker presiding.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at Farmer & Son Funeral Home - Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Graveside Services will be conducted following the funeral service at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan, Nebraska.

Memorials are to be directed to the Milligan Legion Auxiliary or Milligan United Methodist Church.

Lorene Jean Tesar Zeleny, youngest daughter of James J Tesar and Barbara Becwar Tesar was born on March 19, 1931 in Saline County on a farm four miles East of Milligan and entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at the age of 88 years.

Lorene graduated from Milligan High School in 1948, with a Normal Training teaching certificate enabling her to teach Fillmore County Rural School District #6, the same rural school she had attended as a child. During the summers, she worked at the ASCS farm office in Geneva and as a telephone operator at LT & T in Lincoln.

She married Bernard Zeleny on April 19, 1951 in the little white Methodist Church in Milligan. They lived their entire married life of 68 years on a farm Northwest of Milligan. God blessed them with two precious children, Carol and Dave.

Lorene was an active member of the Millligan United Methodist Church since 1953, serving in almost all elected and appointed offices; a sponsor for 12 years for MYF and Youth Choir, and Sunday School teacher for 14 years with perfect attendance.

She was a charter member of the Friend Hospital Auxiliary.

Lorene was a permanent member of the Milligan Legion Auxiliary Unit #240 serving in elected and appointed offices in the Unit, County and District 11. She serviced as Mother to the Junior Auxiliary at Girls State in 1977.

In 1975, she became a charter member of Bleu Valle Salon #76. In 1987, she was selected as Departmental Child Welfare Chairperson; she traveled the State of Nebraska visiting the Salons and she used magic to help emphasize her speeches on children with cystic Fibrosis.
In 1951, she became a member of Friendship Temple #20 of the Order of the Pythian Sisters, serving in all officer chairs, attaining Most Excellent Chief and later as District Most Excellent Chief.

She enjoyed many happy times with the Country Girls of '48; members of the Milligan Seniors and the bowling team of Bunker's Inn. As a member of the Legion Auxiliary Kitchen Band, she enjoyed dressing up as a clown, Santa, bum, hillbilly and Easter Bunny, bringing joy to others, especially at care homes.

Bernard and Lorene traveled all over America with the Becwar's and the Geneva State Ambassador Club making lasting friendships. In 2001, when she became visually impaired she became a member of the South Central Support Group at Shickley and also became Region #5 Representative on the Nebraska Board for the Visually Impaired serving in leadership and speaking positions. She never missed the Tesar Christmas. She felt like her cousins were close family. She was thrilled being a tele-care Grammie to the 5th Graders of Exeter-Milligan School
Lorene was a loving wife, a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a beloved friend. Her favorite times were when her family gathered together at the farm home. In her younger days, she loved to take care of vegetable and flower gardens; can and freeze her bounty; bake crescent rolls, pies and cinnamon rolls; raise chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. She loved to walk in the country with her dog, Louie; read newspapers and listen to the world and local news on TV; and she didn't want to be disturbed when she listed to the "soaps". She was a "die-hard" Democrat, serving on the Election Board from 1951 to 2002 until her eyesight failed.
Lorene will always be remembered by her warm, caring hugs, her constant smile and loving messages enclosed in everyone's greeting cards.

Lorene was preceded in death by: her parents, James J and Barbara Tesar; her husband's parents, Mike and Frances Uldrich Zeleny; sister, Arlene and husband, Ralph Hromadka; and brother-in-law, Bob Zeleny.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Bernard; children: daughter, Carol and husband, Patrick Darnell of Lincoln; son, David of Milligan; grandchildren: Heather and husband, James Liggett of Kansas; Benjamin Darnell of Tucson, Arizona; Laura and husband, Cody Valentine of Beatrice; and Kristen Zeleny of Lincoln; great grandchildren: Aurora and Henry Liggett and Boston Donovan Zeleny; sister-in-law, Diane Zeleny; Soul Sister, Cheryl Tesar; Personal Adopted Sister, Jean Jacobsen; Niece, Barbara Hromadka and family; Nephews: Jim Zeleny and family; Mike and Amy Zeleny and family; and Jeff Zeleny.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Lorene married Bernard "Bennie" Wayne Zeleny on 19 Apr 1951 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Bernard (son of Michael Zeleny and Frances Uldrich) was born on 26 Dec 1926 in Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 28 Oct 2020 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Raymond J. Jirkovsky, 81, Omaha, died Saturday (5/8/10) in Omaha. Born on Nov 27, 1928 on a farm near Milligan, Neb. to Joseph and Anna (Becwar). Graduated from Geneva High School in 1946, and then served three years in the U.S. Navy on Kwajalein Island (South Pacific). Upon returning to Geneva, he married Delores Jo Schupbach on June 18, 1950 and worked as painter/wall paper hanger for many years. He had on the job training from his father-in-law and grandfather-in-law Ray Schupbach and Winfield Schupbach.

After divorcing in 1969, he moved to Lincoln, Neb. and worked at Lincoln General Hospital as the Dietary Storekeeper until his retirement. In 2000 he moved to Omaha to live with his son Michael until his death.

Survived by sons, Randy (Kris) Jirkovsky, LaVista, Michael Jirkovsky, Omaha, Joseph (Mary) Jirkovsky, Toms River N.J.; daughter, Marcy (Chuck) Boncordo, Denver Colo.; five grandchildren, one great grandchild; one great-great grandchild; many wonderful friends and neighbors. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna (Becwar) Jirkovsky; step-father, LeRoy Foster: sister, Ruby Volkmer. [Note: Unable to locate a Ruby Jirkovsky on the 1930 census, maybe born after that date?, or a Ruby Volkmer on the SSDI].

Services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday May 13th, St. Pauls United Methodist Church 55th and Corby Omaha, Neb. Private burial to follow at a later date. Arbor Society, 2819 S 125th Ave., Omaha is in charge of arrangements.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Notes:

Obituary for Leslie L. Svec

A Funeral Service for Leslie will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home - Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska with Reverend Jeff Jensen presiding.

Visitation will be held 1 hour prior (10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.) to the Funeral Service on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Farmer & Son Funeral Home - Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska.

Graveside Services will be held following the Funeral Service at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan, Nebraska.

Memorials are to be directed to Milligan Fire & Rescue or the Milligan Auditorium.

Leslie Lloyd Svec was born November 8, 1933 to Louis J. and Rose (Becwar) Svec on the farm west of Milligan. Les married Cheri Fitzgibbon on May 9, 1964 at a ceremony in Tobias. Together, they had two children: Kyle and Kevin. Les passed away at Heritage Crossings in Geneva on Sunday April 23, 2023 at the age of 89.

Les grew up on the family farm west of Milligan and attended District 44 for his elementary years, and then Milligan High School, graduating with the class of 1951. After graduation, Les attended the Lincoln School of Commerce for one year and then began a career as the bookkeeper for the Farmer's Co-op in Milligan. He worked for the Milligan Co-op and eventually Farmers Cooperative for 53 years, finally retiring fully in 2009 at the age of 75.

The only exception to his continual work at the Co-op was when he took time off to serve in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958, spending one year in Korea.

After retirement, Les spent most his time following the activities of his grandchildren and helping on the family farm, particularly driving truck during harvest and keeping an eye on pivots during the summer.

Les was preceded in death by his parents Louis J. and Rose Svec; in-laws Adolph and Evelyn Dlouhy; brothers Lloyd Svec and Louis Dale Svec; brother-in-law Larry Fitzgibbon and nephews Dave Fitzgibbon and Eric Fitzgibbon.

Les is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cheri Svec; sons Kyle (Rebecca) and their children Kole and Tucker of Milligan; and Kevin (Angie) and their children Grant and Cassidy of Gretna; brother-in-law Gary Fitzgibbon of Milligan and sister-in-law Alice (Kip) Fitzgibbon of Scottsbluff.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Notes:

Berniece E. Pavelka, 80, Lincoln, passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Berniece was born October 25, 1931, on a farm near Exeter, Neb., to Jim and Emma (Becwar) Koca. She graduated from Milligan High School in 1949 and married her high school sweetheart, Bernard "Bernie", on June 22, 1952. They were married for 57 years before his death in September, 2009. Berniece spent her entire life as a homemaker. She and Bernie were very active in their retirement years with the Hallam American Legion and Auxiliary as well as the 82nd Airborne.

She is survived by daughters, Candice "Candy" (Dave) Johnson, Valparaiso; Deena (Dave) Brauer, Lincoln; grandsons, Jason (Tammy) Johnson, Lincoln, Josh (Catrin) Johnson, Columbia, Mo., Nicholas "Nick" Brauer, Lincoln; granddaughter, Ashley Brauer, Lincoln; great grandsons, Hunter, Cooper, Cole and Ryan Johnson. Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bernard.

Services: 3 p.m., Thursday, October 4, 2012, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 So. 14th St. Interment: Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials to the Hallam American Legion Auxiliary or Tabitha Meals on Wheels. Condolences may be left at www.lincolnfh.com


(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Berniece married Bernard Pavelka on 6 Jun 1952 in Fillmore County, Nebraska. Bernard was born on 6 Feb 1931 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 8 Sep 2009 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried on 12 Sep 2009 in Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]