FAMILY STORIES

Catholic Daughters and Rosary Society. She was president of the St. Ludmilla's Guild for 13 years, president and secretary of the Home and School Association, and sings with the Czech Singers. She organized the Parish Council of Catholic Women with Msgr. Cooper. Evelyn belongs to the D.B. Extension Club, and also bowls.

   Bernice (Joe Jr.) was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bartek of Loma, Nebr. Her brother, Ted, died and Rudy lives in Lincoln. Her sisters are Mrs. Ed (Helena) Bohaty of Loma, Mrs. Glen (Marge) Gubser, Mrs. Tom (Clara) Karpisek, and Mrs. Joe (Leona) Petrzilka, all of Lincoln.

   Mrs. William (Jan) Houska's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Penry Leader of East St. Louis, Ill. She has one brother, Jim, of E. St. Louis. Submitted by Evelyn Houska

   Hattie was the beloved teacher of the elementary grades at District 14 in Morse Bluff for 11 years. Hattie was born Sept. 25, 1909 at North Loup, Nebraska. She was educated there in the public schools, attended Fletcher College at Oskaloosa, Iowa and received her degree from Drake University of Des Moines, Iowa.

Hattie Joy Houtby

   Her first year of teaching was at a rural school near Winterset, Iowa. This was followed by 2 years at a rural school in Washington County and 1 year at Garden City School in Fremont, Nebraska. She then taught at Winslow, Nebraska for 20 years, and came to Morse Bluff in 1964. She retired in May, 1975 after 35 years in the teaching profession.

   Hattie remained in the community after retirement where she was a member of the United Methodist Church and involved in community activities. In 1982, she moved to Fremont, Nebraska. After a short illness, Hattie died in 1982, but she will be remembered fondly by her many students and friends of the community. Submitted by Joan Hruza

   Henry Hrdlicka of Wahoo and Beverly Nielsen of Omaha were married on Sept. 8, 1957 at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Omaha. Beverly came out to the Hrdlicka home place to live.

   There is an interesting history to the farm home where Beverly and Henry lived. The house was built about 1903 by Henry's grandparents, Andrew and Katerina Koutny Hrdlicka, and their two children, Henry Sr. and Mary Hrdlicka Bartek. A third child was killed in a tornado on the porch of the previous home. On the farmyard today can be found remnants of two early homes of the early Hrdlickas. The buildings are still in use for storage. One of the early homes was pink.

Henry Hrdlicka Family

   Henry was the son of Henry James and Mary (Zimola) Hrdlicka. Beverly is the daughter of Marie Katherine Seltz and Chris Nielsen. They have five children. Daughter Susan is a Licensed Practical Nurse at University Hospital, Omaha. Carol works at the Ponderosa Steak, Omaha. Mary is enrolled at Metro Tech with plans to become an L.P.N. Nancy is a senior at Wahoo High. Henry is a seventh-grader at Dist. 23. He is the third generation of Hrdlickas to be named "Henry." There is one grandchild, Eric Henry.

   Henry, born May 13, 1921, died on Oct. 16, 1981, shortly after he and Beverly celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Beverly, born Nov. 9, 1935, and Henry III continue to live on the farm. Beverly has worked at the Haven House, Wahoo for seven years.

   In addition to farming, Henry and Beverly milked cows, and raised as many as 500 laying hens and 400 fryers a year. Henry held a Nebraska Real Estate License for a number of years, and was in the Knights of Columbus.

   The children were active in 4-H. The girls were Girl Scouts and Henry is a member of the Squires in Wahoo. They all attended St. Wenceslaus Church where Beverly is a member of the St. Ludmilla's Guild.

   Henry's brothers and sisters are Joe (deceased), Ruth Beranek, Mary Pospichal, Zita Comes, Ethel Adams, Florian, Sybil Carr, and Bernard. Beverly has a brother, Chris Julius Nielsen, and a sister, Ruth Posey. Submitted by Beverly Hdrlicka

   Thomas J. Hrdlicka, son of Anton and Maria (Dockal) Hrdlicka was born Sept. 17, 1870, in Racovicich near Budovice, Moravia. He came to the United States in 1876 with his parents, two brothers and two sisters: Andrew, John, Marie, and Antonia.

   Andrew married Katerina Koutny, John dying at an early age of diphtheria. Marie married Phillip C. Kavan, and Antonia married Jacob Kavan.

   Thomas J. Hrdlicka married Caroline Fiala on April 22, 1895. Of this union three children were born: Louis, later Fr. Clement Hrdlicka O.S.B.; Edward, later Fr. Adolph Hrdlicka O.S.B.; and Mary (Hrdlicka) Hajek.

   Thomas was a well-known farmer. From his place southwest of Wahoo, he and his quiet and unassuming, but thoroughly devoted, wife, and their 3 children moved to a farm near Colon in 1905. In 1930, the family moved to Wahoo.

   He was an upright citizen, a deeply religious man, an honored member of St. Wenceslaus Church. At the time he lived near Colon, he was a member of School Board #55 and was referred to by other members as "honest Tom."

   Mr. Hrdlicka died Apr. 30, 1945. His wife, Caroline, died Sept. 18, 1957.

   Father Clement commenced his elementary education in Wahoo and, at the tender age of 13, enrolled in St. Procopius College, Lisle, Ill. He entered the Benedictine Order in 1915 and was ordained in 1921. He pursued his studies at University of Illinois, and in 1933, the Catholic University of America bestowed upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His thesis was "Confessions of St Augustine." He then was professor at the Catholic University, San Rafael, Calif. until his death Febr. 10, 1945.

   Father Adolph first attended Wahoo schools. Then, as a junior, enrolled at St. Procopius College, entering the Benedictine Order in 1920, and was ordained in 1926. Both he and Father Clement celebrated their First Solemn Masses in St. Wenceslaus Church. In 1931, he obtained a bachelor's degree in library science and served as head librarian. In 1956, he was appointed first president of Illinois Benedictine College and it awarded him its Distinguished Educator award.

   Each summer he would come to Nebraska to visit the home of his boyhood days. He died May 3, 1982. He, as well as his parents and brother, rest in the Abbey Cemetery, under the shade of the beautiful 17-foot cross which stands on a four foot base and dominates the park-like setting. The cross was carved from one piece of Barre, Vermont mahogany granite and was donated to the Abbey by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hrdlicka. Submitted by Mrs. Al Bartek

   Thomas E. Hruza was born on December 17, 1930 in Grand Island, Nebraska. He is one of four children of Alois Hruza and Marie Vogel Hruza of St. Paul, Nebraska. On August 9, 1956 he married Joan B. Hines, daughter of Edward V. Hines and Agnes Pabian Hines of Morse Bluff. Joan was born on July 29, 1931 at Fremont, Nebraska. Tom grew up in the Grand Island -- St. Paul area. He received a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska. He served as a lieutenant in the army in Korea.

Tom Hruza Family

   Following service duty, he worked for Robinson's Seed Company for one year, and then thirteen years for Allied Chemical Corporation in sales promotion and training. He has farmed near Morse Bluff since 1968. Tom has served on the local school board, is a director for the Northeast Nebraska Telephone Association, serves on the Morse Bluff Dike Board and on the Morse Bluff town board. Joan received a B.S. in Homemaking Education from the University of Nebraska. She taught for five years at high schools in Schuyler and North Bend. She has enjoyed 4-H and Extension Club work, needlework, piano, and currently studying foreign languages. Joan has served on the local school board and is on the District Foster Care Review Board.

   Tom and Joan have three children -- Suzanne, David and Cynthia. Suzanne was born February 8, 1958 at Fremont. She married Ted Granger, son of Ted and Eleanore Granger of North Bend on July 13, 1981 at North Bend. Suzanne graduated from the University of Nebraska and is in her 3rd year at the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha. Ted attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and graduated with a Business degree from Midland College of Fremont, Nebraska. Ted is currently employed by the Fremont National Bank. They live in Omaha. David Allen Hruza was born May 21, 1960 at Fremont, Nebraska. He is currently living in Lincoln, Nebraska where he is completing his schooling at the University of Nebraska. Cynthia Ann Hruza was born July 27, 1966 at Fremont. She attends North Bend High School. The family are members of the Catholic Church. The family enjoys traveling, having visited Europe,

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Mexico and the Caribbean, and enjoys hosting guests from foreign countries. A highlight of their travels was their first trip through Europe in 1977 along with Joan's mother, Agnes Hines, for 7 weeks. Tom and Joan will be visiting Russia this year as members of the Friendship Force. By Tom Hruza

Ordination of Father Clement Hrdlicka 1921

   Richard (Dick) Hull was born in Iowa, raised on a farm in Carthage, South Dakota. He was the son of Fern and Ellen Hull. His mother died in 1925, so Dick and his father sold their farm and moved to Wahoo. He became an electrician, worked for the city of Wahoo and was working on missiles at the Lincoln Air Base at the time of his death in 1964.

   He served in World War II from 1941-45 in North Africa and in Rome, Italy. He was a member of the first First Aid Team, the Knights of Pythias Lodge; was an active Mason and a Shriner; Past Commander of the American Legion; the Legion Firing Squad; a Trustee and Treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church. He also worked on the Boy Scout Council.

   He married Gertrude Carlisle, daughter of Mathew and Hannah Carlisle, who was born and raised in Wahoo where she attended school and graduated from Luther College. She taught school in Wahoo; was the first girl in Saunders County to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942 and served forty months. She was discharged as a First Lieutenant from the Women's Army Corps.

   She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and served in many capacities. She was active in the American Legion, was Home Service Chairman of the Red Cross, served two years as president of the Crippled Children's Society; a member of Eastern Star, Wahoo Woman's Club, Daughters of the Nile, and of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

   They had two sons. Gary, born with Down's Syndrome, lived in Beatrice until rehabilitated, and moved to Wahoo where he worked at SCOMR and lived in an apartment.

   Don graduated from Wahoo High School in 1968 and the Southeast Community College at Milford. He worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads. He served three years in the army, one year in Korea and three months in the Azores. He lived in Bridgeport, Nebraska, where he served as President of the Jaycees, and is also a Legion member. Gertrude Hull

   Frederick Hullhorst was born in Varenholz, Lippe-Detmold, Germany, on the 15th of January, 1837. He was the oldest of 8 children who all came to America with their parents in 1855. The parents, Frederick and Charlotte (Hassing) Hullhorst, settled in Freeport, Illinois. Both were well educated, -- he taught mathematics and she taught music and needlework.

   In 1860, Frederick enrolled at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, to prepare himself for the ministry. However, a year before graduation he decided to marry Miss Paulina Brinkman. This marriage took place May 3, 1864. That same year he was granted a license to preach and was assigned by the Mission Board to the Reformed Church in Lanark, Illinois.

   In 1873, he was given a call to become the pastor of the newly-organized German Reformed Church at Headland, Nebraska, about 3½ miles southeast of the present site of Yutan. He purchased 40 acres of land and built a home. The family lived here for 3 years. Four children had been born to the couple, -- Laura, Paul, Frederick, and Ruth.

   During the years at Headland, the post office was in the Hullhorst home, and Rev. Hullhorst was the Postmaster. Mail was delivered twice a week. Also, there was a stagecoach line from Fremont to Ashland which was routed through the Headland area.

   But in 1876 there was a big change in the community. The Omaha and Republican Railroad (later purchased by the Union Pacific) was building a line from Omaha to Lincoln, and platted a townsite at Clear Creek (later renamed Yutan). The Railroad donated 2 lots for a church in the newly-platted town of Clear Creek. Reverend Hullhorst bought 3 lots next to the church lots and built a new home. It was the second house built in Clear Creek. The family moved into their new home Nov. 19, 1876.

   Rev. Hullhorst served as Pastor of the German Reformed Church at Yutan from 1873 to 1907, a period of 34 years. This is now the United Church of Christ.

   In the 1880's, Rev. Hullhorst, with the consent and approval of the church congregation, went to Iowa City during the winter months to study medicine. He became a doctor and so ministered to the physical needs of the people of the community as well as to their spiritual needs.

   Four more children were born to Rev. and Mrs. Hullhorst in Yutan, -- Lewis, Mark, Brinkman, and Carolynn, making a total of 8 children, 5 sons and 3 daughters. When the Reformed Church was rebuilt after the 1913 tornado, these 8 children had stained-glass windows installed in the church as a memorial to their parents who had spent so many years in the service of the church. Submitted by Neva L. Peters (Mrs. Hubert H. Peters)

Back Row: Dr. Paul Hullhorst, Mrs. Frederick Hullhorst, Dr. Fred Hullhorst, Carolyn H., Dr. Frederick Hullhorst, Mrs. J.N. Peters, and Brinkman Hullhorst; Front Row, L to R: Mark Hullhorst, Mrs. R.H. Park, Dr. Lewis Hullhorst.

   Victor and Nadine (Konopik) Humlicek moved to Saunders County from Douglas County in December of 1967. Victor farms, raises cattle, and is also a pipe fitter and welder for the Fruehauf Corporation in Omaha. He is the son of the late Frank and Emma (Schmid) Humlicek Sr. of Linwood, Nebraska. Nadine is the daughter of Mrs. Wilma (Lapacek) Konopik and the late Martin Konopik of Schuyler, Nebraska. They have two daughters: Theresa and Angela. They both attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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   The Howard J. Hunter family moved to Wahoo, Nebraska, in February, 1932. The family consisted of wife, Elsie Marie (Paasch) Hunter and son, Jean Joseph. Howard was supervisor of Standard Oil Tank Wagon Agents in Saunders, Cass and Butler Counties.

   The Hunter family of Scottish, French and German ancestry, had come to York, Nebraska, from Ohio in the 1870's. Elsie's family came from Germany to Douglas County at approximately the same time.

   A daughter, Nancy Kathryn, was born before the family moved to David City in 1936, where Howard was manager of Used Car Sales for D.D. Davis Chevrolet until 1939. Son David Bodie Hunter was born there. The family returned to Wahoo where Howard, being a Reservist in the Army since his years at the University of Nebraska where he had graduated from the Law College, was called to active duty in 1941 as a Captain. His family followed him to his various posts until 1943 at which time he served in the European Theater of Operations, returning to Wahoo in 1946 as a Lt. Colonel.

   Howard was the first Veterans Service Officer for Saunders County, later being in the insurance field. In 1956, Howard became associated with E.S. Schiefelbein, Attorney, upon whose retirement Howard continued his law practice alone until his death in 1975. During all of these years his wife, Elsie, served as his office secretary.

   All three Hunter children graduated from Wahoo High School and attended Luther Junior College. Jean graduated as salutatorian of his high school class and was active in school sports. His graduation from the University of Nebraska was with "High Distinction" with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, and with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve. He earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate at that time. Some time later, when it was first offered, he was one of the first one hundred persons in the United States awarded a Certified Management Accountant certificate. Jean is now Director of General Accounting for Northern Natural Gas Company (InterNorth). Headquarters are in Omaha. Jean married Nadine Noll of Ord, Nebraska. They have two children, Douglas B. Hunter and Shirley J. (Hunter) Shanks, and two grandchildren.

   Nancy graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, and is presently with the Resources Department in South Elementary School, Littleton, Colorado. Nancy married R. William Parsons of Sioux City, Iowa, formerly of Wahoo. Their family consists of Kirk, Heather and Jody. They have two grandchildren.

   David graduated from Kearney State College and earned his Master's in Education there. He is currently doing graduate work at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He is chairman of the Science Department at Northeast High in Lincoln where he has been a science instructor for twelve years. David married the former Karen Freeman of Wahoo. They have Mark and Debbie.

   Howard Hunter was always active in civic affairs, serving on the City Planning Board in Wahoo for several years, as Commander of American Legion Post No. 82 and served on the State Veterans Rehabilitation Committee. He was referred to by many as "Judge Hunter", due to the many years he served as Justice of the Peace. His Masonic affiliations were many, culminating in serving as Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska. He represented the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Edinburgh, Scotland, during his tenure as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Nebraska. He also represented the Grand Lodge of Nebraska at a meeting of the Grand Lodge of France in Paris, France.

   Elsie Hunter was also active in many areas of social and civic life, including PEO, Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, Wahoo Woman's Club and American Legion Auxiliary. The three Hunter children come "home" often with their offspring, presently seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Submitted by the children of Elsie and Howard J. Hunter

   My great-grandparents migrated from Switzerland and settled in Pawnee County, Nebraska in 1864. Their family consisted of two daughters and one son Samuel S., who married Emma S. Hartman. To this marriage was born my father, Clyde F., and his brother, Eddie S.

   In 1911, Clyde F. married Lily Josephine Branek. There are three living children, Lorain W., Hubert L. and Clyde Jr. I graduated from Table Rock, Nebraska High School in 1911. Hubert and Clyde graduated from T.J. Majors Training School, Peru, Nebraska.

   After the bad times of the early '30's, Dad moved to a farm at Peru.

   My wife Lucile's great-grandparents came from England. Her grandparents settled in Peru. Her Grandfather Patterson operated a bookstore and furnished books for the first Peru State Teachers' College.

   Lucile's mother, Ruby Pratt of Nebraska City and her father, Harry Patterson, were married and spent their lifetime in Peru. Their family consists of six living children. Harold lives in Peru, Carl in Wahoo, Leota in Peru, Lucille in Ceresco, Mary in Superior, and Harry in Fremont. Her father was also a farmer for many years, a commercial fisherman, a restaurant operator and trucker.

   During the seventeen years I lived in Peru, Lucile and I were married and had a family of three, Sam, Vicki, and Bruce. While living there, I farmed, worked road construction, worked for Corps of Engineers, and the Village of Peru. In October, 1952, I got a job at the Nebraska Ordnance Plant and moved the family to Ithaca, Nebraska. Just before the Ordnance Plant closed, I accepted a job at Lincoln Air Force Base.

   Sam had graduated from the eighth grade so we moved to Ceresco. Sam graduated from Ceresco High School and Vicki and Bruce from Raymond Central. Sam joined the Naval Reserve, and while serving his two years active duty, he was stationed in California where he met Barbara Pennington. They married, and with daughters, Kristi and Traci, live in California. Barbara has returned to school and Sam is still working his original job with Pacific Bell Telephone Co.

   After graduation, Vicki and Bruce graduated from University of Nebraska. Vicki became an art instructor and began her career at Holbrook, Nebraska, and continuing at Valley, Nebraska. Bruce married Ruth Harman during his junior year. Ruth continued her job with the Highway Patrol until Scott was born. Now they have Jeffrey and Kate. Bruce works for State of Nebraska as Printing Business Manager.

   Lucile helped at a local cafe when Mr. and Mrs. John Burklund operated it. She also helped at the highway cafe. She joined the school hot lunch program here in town and later went to Raymond Central to operate that program for several years.

   During these years, I was working Civil Service in Lincoln, Mead, and Offutt, retiring in July, 1972. In February, 1973, I got a building maintenance job at Instrumentation Specialists Company at Lincoln. Lucile worked here also and retired in 1980. I had retired three years earlier. We are still residing in Ceresco and enjoying our retirement. Submitted by Lorain "Zeke" Hunzeker

   Six generations of Huschers have lived on the farm homesteaded by Andrew (Andreas) Huscher in 1868. Andrew Huscher came to America from Germany in 1868 and homesteaded the E½ NW¼-18-16-7, 80 acres. Ulysses S. Grant was president at that time. The following year Andrew purchased another 40 acres from the railroad for the sum of $160.

   This homesteaded place has been the residence of the Huscher family for six generations. The first generation was Andrew and Anna Huscher whose children were Chris, Fred, and Mary Brackman. The second generation was Chris and Emilie Huscher. Their children are Anna Lemke, Andrew, Frieda Sukstorf, and Alma Behrens. Andrew and Ella Huscher and their son, Ray, were the third generation on the homestead. Ray and Marge Huscher are the fourth generation. Their children are Pam Pedersen and Terry Huscher. Fifth generation includes Terry and Susie Huscher whose children are Leigh and Neal. The sixth generation are Neal and Leigh Huscher. Submitted by Ray Huscher

   I, Lois Pacal Hynek, was born to Elmer and Mildred Novak Pacal in Wahoo on January, 1940. We lived on a farm southwest of Malmo. I enjoyed the outdoors as a child and found pleasures in making mud pies and sand castles. My favorite pal was my dog, Rex. He was a pretty, rust-colored dog and spent a lot of time watching me play. One day, when I was about four years old, we decided to go for a walk, toddling down the roadside ditch to see our neighbors Selma and Pete Olson, who lived about a quarter of a mile away from our place. But my mother missed me and spotted Rex's rusty tail above the ditch and we had to come back. I felt safe with Rex and thought it was all right. I attended grade school one year in School District 24. Then we moved to Malmo and I had to leave Rex with my Uncle Frank on the farm. We got another smaller dog named Pal. Together, with my cousin, Gawaine Dvorak, we enjoyed him very much, until he failed to return home. We walked down the road and found he was run over by a car. Tears were shed at this experience.

Stacey, Howard, Lois, Pam

   Then I attended grade school and high school in Malmo. I was a cheerleader for basketball games. I was a member of the Girl Scout Troop, attended church and was Sunday School pianist at the Wahoo Presbyterian Church. I have one brother, Dennis.

   I married Howard Hynek, son of Elsie Satorie Hynek and Henry Hynek on October, 1956 at the Czech Presbyterian Church near Wahoo, Nebraska. He has one sister and one brother. Howard was born near Prague, Nebraska. He lived in Morse Bluff and North Bend, Nebraska, having attended grade school there. He and his family moved to a farm one-half mile south of Malmo, which we now own. Howard's father passed away in September of 1971. Howard attended Peru State College for one year and then found employment in Omaha. His mother passed away in February of 1973.

   We have four daughters and three grandchildren. Our two oldest daughters, Audrey and Rieva are married. Audry is married to Michael Black and they have Jason, who will be 3 years old in May, 1983. Jeremey will be one year old in June, 1983. They live in Omaha. Rieva is married to Michael Beem and they have one daughter, Melissa. She will be three years old in March, 1983. Melissa was very ill with kidney syndrome in May of 1982, but is improving daily at this time. Pam is a student at UNO and works part-time for Omaha Public Schools. She is majoring in Social Work. Pam has a car of her own, doesn't like being sideswiped by truckers who drive off, so she follows them to the stockyards where she gets things settled with the help of the police department. Stacey is a sophomore

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