Special Pages

REV. OTTO H. EKHAML Born: August 8, 1908 Died: November 22, 1978

   Pastor 1946-1974 at St. John's Church, Weston, Nebraska. Father Otto Ekhaml receives much credit for building St. John's School. He supervised the construction.

   His chief concern was the spiritual and educational needs of his parishioners.

   From: P.C.C.W., St. John's and Altar Society, St. Vitus, Touhy

   The Honorable Emil E. Placek, lawyer and lawmaker, had marked influence in shaping the history of Saunders County and Wahoo. Mr. Placek was born of Bohemian parents in a sod house in Fillmore County, Nebraska on December 14th, 1877. He attended school in Milligan and Western Normal College, Lincoln. He received his law degree from the University of Nebraska in 1897. He served during the Phillipines insurrection until July 1, 1899. He moved to Wahoo on March 1, 1901 and engaged in the general practice of law. He was elected County Judge in 1902, serving two terms. He was elected to the Nebraska State Senate for two terms, serving during the sessions of 1911 and 1913. He was also elected Mayor of Wahoo for two terms.

   In 1907 he was one of the organizers of the Bank of Prague and served as its president. For twenty-five years, he was the president of the First National Bank of Wahoo and Chairman of the Board until his death.

   In March 1909, Mr. Placek purchased a controlling interest in the Nebraska Culvert and Manufacturing Company of Wahoo and was the president and manager until 1936. He also organized the Economy Housing Company in Wahoo in 1933 and was president until 1970.

   On May 18th, 1904 Mr. Placek was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Lindercamp of Wahoo and they had two daughters and one son. Mr. Placek died April, 1972, at the age of 94 years.

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