Jan "John" Kotas

Notes:

John was a farmer and businessman. In 1899, he built a lumber yard. The Catholic Church was built with lumber donated from his yard. In 1890, he built a saloon on Main Street, from land he bought from Vaclav and Mary KOTTAS. One Saturday night, as he was locking up, he heard a noise and as he turned around someone threw a bottle, hitting him in the face which cut his lip badly and broke out a tooth. He grew a moustache after this to cover the scar. He sold the saloon, and purchased land from Frank ANDREL in 1892 and returned to farming. They later returned to their home place which had been rented. John died following an accident in the hay field, which was caused by one of the frames for stacking hay coming unfastened and falling on him, hitting him across the shoulders and neck. He was a prominent citizen from the time the village of Milligan was organized, quiet of dispostion, and never meddling in other people's affairs, attending only to his business. Friends and neighbors stacked the grain and hay in the fields for the family. As the boys were too young to take over the farm, it was rented. (Milligan, p 357).

Jan married Mary Rozanek on 3 Feb 1880 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Mary was born about 1860 in Bohemia; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jan married Marie Rejsek on 7 Feb 1882 in Fillmore County, Nebraska. Marie was born on 27 Aug 1862 in Stra?ec?, Bohemia; died on 5 Aug 1927 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married Joe Naimon?

Notes:

Married second a Placek?

Marie married William James Chlup on 2 Feb 1904 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. William (son of Vaclav "James" Chlup and Barbora Bures) was born on 15 Jan 1878 in Morse Bluff, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 10 Nov 1934 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Albina married Charles Frank Chlup on 22 Feb 1905 in Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Charles (son of Vaclav "James" Chlup and Barbora Bures) was born on 8 Oct 1884 in Nebraska; died on 8 Feb 1964 in Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served through June 2, 1919. After his discharge, he helped Louis PLACEK farm. He was a Legionnaire, held several offices and helped build the first American Legion building, was a Lodge member and also belonged to the Knights of Pythias. He spent many hours, alongside Bessie, working in the Milligan Auditorium on dance night. Fishing was his pastime. After Bessie died, he bought a home in Milligan from Chas. HLADEK. He was honored as a life-time admiral into the Great Nebraska Navy in 1976. (Milligan, p 357-358)

John married Bessie R. Masek on 1 Oct 1919 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Bessie was born on 31 Aug 1896 in Hriskov, ?steck?, Bohemia; died on 19 Aug 1957 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She is buried in the Andrew Cemetery.

Husband: Harry R. Petrasek
Wife: Agnes Kotas, parents John Kotas and Mary Rejsek
Born: 9 Mar 1892, Milligan
Died: 10 Feb 1986, Friend
Buried: 13 Feb 1986, Andrew Cemetery
Brothers: John; Fred; Henry P.
Sisters: Anna Niamon; Albie Chlup; Marie Placek; Mrs. Dale (Eleanor) Payne (???duplicate listing ???); Leona Matejka
Step-brother: Emil
Married: 1 Mar 1921
Daughter: Mrs. Dale (Eleanor) Payne
Son: Elmer, wife Joan

Agnes married Harry R. Petrasek on 1 Mar 1921 in Fairbury, Jefferson County, Nebraska. Harry was born on 11 Apr 1893 in Crete, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 9 Dec 1975 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried in Andrew Cemetery, Friend, Saline County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Fred was born one mile north of Milligan, and resided and farmed there his entire life. He quit school after his father died to help his mother with the farm, which didn't seem to bother him a bit. He worked hard at farming, but was mischievious, always pulling pranks. During his early teen, business men would often ask idle boys to bring them back a bucket of "Pivo" from a local saloon. The bucket was an empty one that had held half a gallon of pancake syrup, and cost five to ten cents to fill with beer. Fred usually delivered each of his a few sips short, and was later seen sleeping it off on someone's Model T running board. In his adult life, he farmed and ran a threshing crew. (Milligan, p 352-353).

Fred married Josie Marie Hanus on 8 Feb 1923 in Wilber, Saline County, Nebraska. Josie was born on 20 Oct 1901 in Nova Ves, Bohemia; died on 28 Jul 1986 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Henry and Mae lived one year in Milligan, then moved to their farm six miles north of Milligan, here they farmed for fifteen years. They sold the farm in 1944 to Fred KOVANDA and moved to Milligan. There Henry worked for Edward "Swede" BULIN for one year and for Joe JICHA distributing beer for two years. He worked for the Auditorium doing custodian work for fifteen years, and last for the Kansas-Nebraska Gas Company until his retirement in 1966. (Milligan, p 354).

Henry married Mae Frances Kubicek on 23 Apr 1929 in Nebraska. Mae (daughter of Fred James Kubicek and Anna Elizabeth Tenopir) was born on 11 Mar 1909 in Nebraska; died on 23 Jun 2004 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Josef "Joseph" Matejka. Josef was born on 14 Nov 1899 in Bohemia; died on 18 Jan 1972 in McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was a daughter of Frank CHLUP and Abbie KOTAS. (Milligan, 1988-2008, p 123).

Family/Spouse: Henry "Hank" Bulin, Sr.. Henry (son of John Bulin and Mary Steinacher) was born on 13 Mar 1905 in Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 25 Jul 1988 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Nebraska Signal
23 February 2000

Marie B. Vlasak

Marie B. Vlasak, 79, of Wilber, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2000 in Crete.

She was born August 5, 1920 on a farm north of Milligan, to John F. and Bessie R. (Masek) Kotas. She attended the Milligan Public School and graduated with the class of 1938. She helped on the family farm and did housework in the Crete area working at the Crete Mills and Fairmont Creamery. She married Charles Vlasak, Jr. on Sept.23, 1943, at the Saline County Courthouse in Wilber. In 1993, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

They made their home in Spokane, Wash. while Charles was in the service. Here she worked for Nabisco Biscuit Co. and Armour Meat Packing Plant. They moved back to Crete where she worked for Gooches and in 1946 moved to a farm north of Hallam. In 1957, they moved to a farm south of Wilber, retiring in 1989 and moved into Wilber.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Wilber for 38 years; a member of ZCBJ Lodge No. 3 inCrete, receiving her 50 year membership pin and was a V.A. Hospital volunteer for 888 hours.

She is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim F. and Norma Kotas of Milligan, Donald and Velma Kotas of Lincoln; nieces and nephews and spouses; Aunt Mae Kotas of Milligan and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Vlasak, Jr., Oct. 24, 1996; infant brother, Johnny Kotas; sister and brother-in-law, Henrietta and Marion Arbuck.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb.10 at 2 p.m. at Zajicek Funeral Home in Wilber with the Rev. Paul Quackenbush officiating. Soloist Elmer Nemec accompanied by Bernice Zajicek.

Interment was at the Wilber Czech Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Wayne Arbuck, Dennis Kotas, Doug Kotas, Brad Kasl, Doug Hayek and Daryl Hayek.
Honorary pallbearers were Delbert Kotas, David Kotas, Gerald Splichal, Jon Eisenhauer, Darin Keller, Chuck Rains, Paul Essman and Mark Bors.
Memorials may be directed to the Charles and Marie Vlasak Scholarship Fund

Marie married Charles Vlasak on 23 Sep 1943 in Wilber, Saline County, Nebraska. Charles was born before 1920; died on 24 Oct 1996. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A 1943 graduate of Milligan High School, he was inducted into the Army on his 21st birthday. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington, later being sent to Korea. He received his honorable discharge on May 7, 1947. After his term in the service, he helped his father farme and did custom trucking. He later went to work for JIm VOSOBA, the Standard Oil Agent. Jim is a volunteer fireman, rescue personnel, Community Club member, Hospital board member, and member of the V.F.W. Post #7102 and the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers association. In addition to this, he served on the school board, town board and was fire chief. He enjoys fishing and boating with his sons and grandsons. He and his brother, Don, inherited the 80-acre farm in Section One, Glengary Township, after their fathers death. (Milligan, p 355).

Obituary

Jim F. Kotas, the last member of the John F. & Bessie R. (Masek) Kotas family passed away on Monday, January 25, 2018 at the Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska at the age of 92 years, 8 months, and 2 days.

He was born on May 23, 1925 on the family farm north of Milligan. He attended Milligan Public School for 12 years and graduated with the class of 1943.

After graduation, he worked in Omaha at a meat packing plant. He was drafted into the Army on his 21st birthday at Fort Leonard Wood, Kansas. He spent time in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge on May 27, 1947 at Fort Lawton, Washington.

On May 11, 1949, he married Norma Most and to this union 4 sons were born: Dennis, David, Douglas, and Delbert.

On July 1, 1949, he began driving a fuel truck for Joe Vosoba. After Joe's retirement, he became a Standard Oil Agent. In 1958, the company went to Jobbers and it became Kotas Oil Company. He retired after nearly 40 years in the oil business.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed helping area farmers with grain harvest. He was also active in the community serving as the Chief on the Milligan Fire Department for many years. He also took EMT training in the early 1970's with Merle Buzek and Albert Michl, and they were the original members of the Milligan Rescue Squad serving for many years. He enjoyed serving with the Fire & Rescue and was dedicated to helping people in need. Jim also served on the Milligan School Board, the Fillmore County Hospital Board for 25 years, the Petroleum Marketers Board, and the Milligan Village Board.

In November of 2016, he was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his military service.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Johnny and Donald; sisters Marie and husband Chas Vlasek and Henrietta and husband Marion Arbuck; daughter-in-law Janet Kotas; grandson Jason Kotas; and brother-in-law Arnold Capek.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma of Milligan, Nebraska; sons Dennis & Lois Kotas, Douglas & Yvonne Kotas all of Milligan, Nebraska, David Kotas of Faucett, Missouri, and Delbert & Susan Kotas of Juniata, Nebraska; grandchildren T.J. and wife Abby Kotas of Lincoln, Nebraska, Gary Kotas of Humboldt, Nebraska, Katherine Kotas of Portsmouth, Virginia, Brittni Kotas of Milligan, Nebraska, Justin Kotas of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Emilie Kotas of Exeter, Nebraska; great grand daughter Kayla Brhle of Milford, Nebraska; great great granddaughter Brynlee Motley of Milford, Nebraska; sisters-in-law Lucille Capek of Milligan, Nebraska and Velma and John Kirby of Lincoln, Nebraska; cousin Reenlee Kotas of San Diego, California; and step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Funeral Service for Jim was held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Milligan Auditorium in Milligan, Nebraska. Pastor Brian Kottas officiated the service. Karen Kohler accompanied Jon Scoville who sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee. "

Pallbearers for the service included T.J. Kottas, Gary Kotas, Justin Kotas, Wayne Arbuck, Gerald Capek, and Jon Eisenhauer. Interment was held in the Bohemian National Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the Milligan American Legion HSSK Post 240. Farmer & Son Funeral Home conducted the services and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the Milligan Rescue Squad or the Milligan American Legion.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

James married Norma Jean Most on 11 May 1949 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Norma was born on 22 Jul 1931 in Glengary Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 11 Feb 2019 in Fairmont, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henrietta married Marion B. Arbuck on 15 Aug 1948 in Nebraska. Marion was born on 11 May 1929; died on 12 Oct 1992 in Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Don graduated from Milligan High School in 1950, and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. After his marriage to Velma, they first lived in Milligan and later moved to Lincoln, were Don was employed by Salem Oil Company. They returned to Milligan after Don bought the Milligan Transfer from Joe KOCA in 1962. He sold his company in 1969. He worked as a tavern keeper at Suda's Tavern as well.

Don went to work for the Geneva Police Department in 1972, later running for Sheriff of Fillmore County. He was elected in November, 1978, and due to unfortunate circumstances, resigned in March 1979. He went to work for the Lincoln Correctional Center in June 1979.

Don has a pilot's license, and flying is his favorite pasttime. (Milligan, p 351).

Obituary
Donald J. Kotas
Donald J. Kotas, 74, of Lincoln, formerly of Milligan, died Tuesday (3-13-2007). Born, Jan. 6, 1933, at Milligan to John and Bessie (Masek) Kotas. U.S. Army veteran, Korean War.

Survivors: wife, Velma; daughter, son-in-law, Karen and Jon EISENHAUER, Fairbury; grandchildren, Jon Tyler EISENHAUER, Brooke EISENHAUER, both Fairbury, brother, sister-in-law, Jim F. and Norma, Milligan. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Milligan Auditorium, Milligan. Pastor Jeffery Bloom. Military graveside service at Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan. Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Sunday, Farmer and Son Funeral Home-Kotas Chapel, Milligan. Memorials: family.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, Lincoln Journal Star March 15, 2007).

Donald married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Eleanor married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Funeral service for Georgiann will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home - Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00 noon until the service at the Funeral Home in Milligan.

Graveside service will be in the Milligan North Cemetery following the service. Memorials are directed to the family.

Georgiann Josephine Vohnout was born to Fred Kotas and Josie Marie Kotas (Hanus) on September 19th, 1926 at Milligan, NE on the farm, and passed away on August 29th, 2017, at her home on the farm in Milligan, NE at the age of 90. She was an only child.

Georgiann was born and raised on her family farm ? a mile north of Milligan, NE. She went to school at Milligan Public and graduated in 1944. She worked at the Kottas Drug Store where she served enough ice cream that for a long period of time she couldn't stomach the stuff. Shortly after she worked at the Fairmont and Brunning Air Base where she was a secretary who welcomed and helped deploy the troops during World War II. While there she met the most handsome man she had ever seen and ended up marrying John J. Vohnout on June 12th, 1948.

On October 4th, 1965 they had their only son, John F. Vohnout. Instead of bringing flowers like the rest of the new dads, John brought Georgiann three stalks of milo to celebrate the birth of their son and his great crop that year!

Georgiann and her husband lived in Lincoln for a short time before they came back to her family farm when her father fell ill and that is where they made their lives for forty-four years, until John's death in 1998. Afterward, Georgiann fell ill with many medical issues but, despite her problems her family and friends helped keep her strong for another nineteen years.

During her life, Georgiann enjoyed the perks of farming with her husband, such as taking trips when and where they wanted to, going to many polka dances, and a "small" sideline of BINGO, casinos, and playing poker until the late hours of the morning with family. All the while never falling short of being a great mother, wife, and care taker of her mother. She was truly the least selfish person and always put the needs of her family and friends before her own. Her sense of humor and contagious laugh will so be missed by her son, his wife (the daughter that Georgiann always wanted but never had) and their three daughters.

Georgiann was preceded in death by, Fred and Josie Kotas, father and mother, John J. Vohnout, husband all of Milligan, NE.

She is survived by, John and Christine Vohnout, son and daughter-in-law of Hastings, NE; Stephanie Ann, Tiffany Jo, and Georgie Marie, granddaughters of Hastings, NE; Liam Alexander, great-grandson of Hastings; Mamie Gordon, sister-in-law of Lincoln, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Georgiann married John Vohnout on 12 Jun 1948 in Nebraska. John was born on 16 Mar 1926 in Wilber, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 6 Feb 1998 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Betty Jean Buzek, of Milligan, was born to Henry P. Kotas and Mae Kubicek Kotas on November 22, 1929 at home in Milligan, NE. She passed away December 20, 2014 at Heritage Crossings in Geneva, NE at the age of 85 years and 28 days. She attended rural school district #5, northwest of Milligan through 8th grade, then attended Milligan High School, graduating in 1947. In July 1956, Betty began employment at Formfit Rogers in Crete, NE as a seamstress until August of 1982. In January 1983, she began working at Swingster's Apparel Marketing Industries, in Fairbury, NE until she retired. Betty was married to Merle Buzek of Milligan, NE on April 19, 1949 and to them two children were born; Marlon Ray and Deborah Jean.

Betty was a member of the United Methodist Church of Milligan, UMW, Pythian Sisters, Milligan American Legion Post 240 Auxiliary, ZCBJ Lodge, Senior Citizens Club and Betty's Club of Nebraska. Betty enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and had God's gift for music with any instrument, especially the accordion and piano.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry P. and Mae Kotas, her in-laws Milo and Mildred Buzek, sister in-law Sue Kotas, and brother in-law Henry Bigelow. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Merle, brother, Reenlee Kotas of San Diego, CA, sister in-law Roma Bigelow of Milligan, NE, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Kathy Rischling of Milligan, NE, son Marlon (Judy) Buzek of Stromsburg, NE, daughter Deborah (Mike) Kassik of Milligan, NE, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great step grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the Milligan United Methodist Church in Milligan, NE at 2:00 PM with Pastor Sandra Blumanhourst & Kim Dunker officiating the service. No visitation/cremation. Burial will be held at a later date in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan, NE. Memorials are to be directed to the family for a later designation

(From Farmer and Sons website, courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Betty married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married Donna Jean Seiffert-Bryson, the daughter of Royal George SEIFFERT and Alice LESSER. He worked with his father in home building and was a master bricklayer, working on large construction projects in several states. He was a union bricklayer in Local No. 2.

He was inducted into the US Army in 1950, and served during the Korean conflict as part of a ski patrol based out of Alaska.

He was the father of Mark Matejka of Denver and Mona Matejka (Mrs. James) Costalupes of Incline Village, Nevada, and grandfather of Vincent and Monique Matejka, Nicole, Christopher and Alexandria Costalupes. He also had two stepdaughters, Vicki Scruggs and Annette Bryson, six step grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren.

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]