19 January 2000

Katherine Mary Buzek was born to Frank James Kovanda and Emma (Bulin) Kovanda on March 8, 1915, at Gilead, and passed away Jan.11, 2000, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva at the age of 84 years, 10 months, and 3 days. She was the only child to Frank and Emma.

When Katherine was five years old the family moved from Gilead to Geneva. Her father had a harness and shoe repair business. Katherine's mother passed away in 1923 when she was eight years old. Frank then married Mary Cadek who was a seamstress, who made dresses, jackets, and quilts for many people.

Katherine attended the Geneva Public School, and in the eighth grade she attended a spelling contest at Sioux City and received the first prize. In High School she was a good student taking Greg shorthand and typing which she enjoyed using. Katherine graduated from the Geneva High School with the Class of 1933. She then worked at Heath's Grocery Store and Safeway in Geneva, and also helped at her dad's harness and shoe shop.

Katherine was married to Edward Thomas Buzek of Exeter, on Nov.15, 1944, in Belleville, Kan. and two sons were born to this union. She then moved to the farm north of Milligan and helped her husband farm.

Katherine led a simple life enjoying the beauty of nature surrounding her in the fields of grain on the farm.

After the death her husband, Edward T. Buzek who died on Jan.26, 1974, she took the responsibility of raising her young sons and carrying on farming with their help. Katherine was glad to have served on the election board in Liberty Township.

She enjoyed music, especially button accordion music. She could hear a song and be able to play it in a short time. She enjoyed her garden and flowers, always sharing with others. She took time to visit friends and relatives and attended her school reunions, the Bures family reunions, being a descendant of Marie Bures Hranac. She valued the friendships of relatives and friends. Her hobbies included sewing, working crossword puzzles, fishing, cooking and baking.

Katherine Buzek was preceded in death by her mother, Emma; father, Frank J.; stepmother, Mary; and her husband Edward T. Buzek.

She is survived by her two sons, James and Thomas Buzek of Exeter; a brother-in-law, Emil Odvody Sr. of Wilber and cousins and friends.

She will be missed by her sons but had the satisfaction that she led them in their occupation, to be worthy citizens and hard working men.

Funeral services were conducted from the Farmer & Son Funeral Home-Kotas Chapel in Milligan on Friday, Jan.14, 2000, with Rev. Brian Kottas officiating. Diane Zeleny accompanied Robert Kassik who sang "Everyone Carries His Own Cross" (in Czech) and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Casket bearers were Ed Bulin, Wesley Buzek, Bill Michl, Robert Harre, Roger Brandt and Gerald Slezak.

Interment was in the Bohemian National Cemetery.

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The family of Katherine Buzek would like to thank family and friends for the flowers, cards, food and acts of kindness shown us at the time of her passing. A special thanks to Dr. Ashby, Marirose Fox, and the nurses at the Fillmore County Hospital.

JAMES AND THOMAS BUZEK.