Mary Ella Stejskal

Notes:

The Nebraska Signal

Milligan

Mary Ella Stejskal Soukup, daughter of Frank and Anna (Stastny) Stejskal, was born on a farm west of Wilber, on May 21, 1894, and passed away at the Wilber Nursing Home on December 20, 1988, at the age of 94 years, 7 months.

When she was a child, the family moved to a farm near Tobias and later to the Ohiowa area where she attended Golden Rod School District 42.

Upon completion of her school, she took a course in Terry dressmaking and sewing at Milligan, graduating as a fine seamstress in September of 1911. She followed this occupation along with housekeeping for others.

As a pastime she enjoyed Czech music and also liked to play the organ, piano and button accordian. On her 90th birthday she played a few selections on the piano.

On December 21, 1915, she was united in marriage to Harry Soukup at Geneva by Judge Fulton. They made their home on the farm west of Milligan. Their family grew to include four children, Arnold, Elmer, Roy and Rubye, as well as a nephew, Louis Most, who came to join the family in 1927.

Mary and Harry were active in the ZCJB Lodge Svatopluk 76. For many years she worked at the Milligan auditorium during the popular dance period in the 1930's and 1940's.

She prided herself for being a member of the American Legion Auxillary, having had all three sons in the service.

In 1956 she and her husband retired from the farm and moved to Milligan. On December 21, 1965, they had the pleasure of celebrating their golden wedding anniversay.

In 1974 they moved to Wilber to be near their daughter Rubye. On December 21, 1975, they celebrated 60 years of wedded life.

On August 11, 1981, she entered the Wilber Nursing Home where she spent many hours with one of her favorite pastimes of crocheting.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry, son, Elmer; daughter in law Mary Anne, granddaughter, nancy, brothers Adolph, Anton, Frank J, and Louis; sister, Antonie; and a brother and sister in infancy.

She is survived by sons, Arnold H and Ray and wife Betty Soukup, daughter, Rubye and husband Ed Prokop; one sister, Anna Chaney; six grandchildren, 11 great-great granchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were conducted from Farmer-Kotas Funeral Chapel on December 23, with the Rev. Michael McDonald officiating.

Amy Sluka accompanied Blanche Capek and Dorothy Skrivanek, who sang "God be with You Til We Meet Again" and "Kardy Nese Svuj Kriz" in Czech.

Pallbearers were John Soukup, Rob Prokop, Jay Jorgens, Tim Hester, Arnold Capek and Jim J. Kotas.

Interment was in the Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan.

Mary married Jaroslav "Harry" Soukup on 21 Dec 1915 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Jaroslav (son of Frantisek "Frank" M. Soukup and Anna Beznoska) was born on 18 Oct 1889 in Prague, Saunders County, Nebraska; died on 9 Feb 1976 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Arnold H. Soukup

Arnold Harry Soukup, son of Harry and Mary (Stejskal) Soukup was born March 27, 1919 near Milligan. He passed away on June 22, 1998 in Lincoln, at the age of 79.

He grew up on the farm with his parents and attended rural school and one year of high school in Geneva. After one year of school he had to stay home to help with the farming. He farmed until June 1944, when he was called to serve in the Army. he served in the European-African-Middle East Theater of operations during WW II. He was discharged in May, 1946.

Upon returning from military service he continued farming with his parents.

He was united in marriage to Maryanne Wanek on April 15, 1952. They farmed until the fall of 1959 when they moved to Milligan and Arnold took employment with the Farmers's Coop Company. He worked there until retirement in 1981. During this time he volunteered as a Fire Fighter. After Maryanne passed away on August 2, 1981, he moved to Lincoln.

He was united in marriage to Tillie Engel on August 24, 1990. Tillie blessed him with a large step family that he enjoyed. He especially enjoyed the two great-grandsons that always gave him a helping hand.

He was a member of the Friend United Church of Christ.

Arnold and Tillie loved to travel to see relatives and to take bus tours to Czech functions. He was proud of his Czech heritage and especially enjoyed the music.

He took great pride in his lawn and garden, always keeping things neat. Arnold was a member of the Milligan WFLA Lodge #3909, Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln, BPOE #3909 in Crete, a life-time member of VFW 7102 in Geneva, and a very active and proud member of the American Legion Post #240 in Milligan. He served as mayor of Milligan at one time.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maryanne; parents, Harry and Mary Stejskal Soukup; brother, Elmer, and niece Nancy Soukup.

He is survived by his wife, Tille, of Dorchester; stepson and spouse, Dennis and Tammy Engel of Altas, Oklahoma; stepdaughters and spouses, Darlene and David Rasplicka of Friend, Beverly and Jon Cawley of Seattle, Washington, Linda Hardin, Muscatine, Iowa; brother and sister in law Ray and Betty Soukup of Lincoln, sister, Rubye Prokup of Lincoln; sisters in law and brother in law, Rosemarie Hannon, Crete; Ella Vagrt, Paul, Idaho; Alvie and Clarence "Bud" Hoffman, Beaver Crossing; Joe Ladman, Dorchester; eight step grandchildren; two step great-grandsons; nieces and nephews.

His memorial service was held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 27 at the Friend United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Robert Brauninger officiating. The flag presentation ceremony was conducted on Monday, June 29, at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family suggested that memorials be given to the American Legion Post #240, Milligan, or the Dorchester Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

CARD OF THANKS

We would like to thank everyone who remembered with love, prayer, flowers, memorial gifts, cards, food, telephone calls and any other act of kindness shown us during the loss of our loved one, Arnie Soukup. Special thanks to Dorchester Rescue Unit, Dr. McKeeman and Hospital staff, Bryan Memorial Hospital staff and doctors, Milligan Legion, Rev. Bob Brauninger, Friend USS Women's Fellowship, and Dorchester Legion Auxiliary. May God Bless you all. FAMILY OF ARNIE SOUKUP

(Undated, unreferenced copy of obituary and card of thanks)

Arnold married Maryanne Catherine Wanek on 15 Apr 1952 in Wilber, Saline County, Nebraska. Maryanne (daughter of Frank J. Wanek and Anna Kersenbrock) was born on 9 Aug 1925 in Wilber, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 12 Aug 1981 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Arnold married Matilda "Tillie" Ladman on 24 Aug 1990. Matilda was born on 9 Nov 1924 in Saline County, Nebraska; died on 2 Jan 2017 in Crete, Saline County, Nebraska; was buried in Andrew Cemetery, Friend, Saline County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elmer Soukup Funeral Held

Elmer Louis Soukup, son of Harry and Mary (Stejskal) Soukup, was born May 1, 1921, near Milligan. He passed away December 15,1982, in Lincoln.

He grew up with his parents on the farm and attended school at Milligan after which he took up the auto mechanic trade at Bors Ford Motor Company learning the trade by apprenticeship.

In August 1942 he enlisted inthe U.S. Army Ordinance Department. After training in the U.S. and Canada he was sent overseas to the European Theatre of Operations being involved in the D-Day operations June 6, 1944. He was discharged October 19, 1945, serving a total of three years and two months.

Elmer was a member of Amercan Legion H.S.S.K. Post 240 at Milligan, The Geneva V.F.W. post and Svatopluk Z.C.B.J. Lodge76 at Milligan.

After returning from military service he went back to his auto mechanic trade with his former employer Bors-Bulin Ford Motor Company in Milligan.

On September 5, 1946, he was united in marriage to Jeanette (Grote) Messinger. To this union were born two children, Mary Kaye and John.

In 1955 he secured employment at O'Shea Rogers Ford Motor Company after which he took over the operation of his own service station. For the past 23 years he was employed by the F.D. Wilson Auto Parts Company. He enjoyed his work and took pride in an occasional tinker on some of his client's cars.

Elmer was an avid gardener and greatly enjoyed the company of his neighbors who had much respect for him.

He also took great pride in his many hobbies and enjoyed listening to Czech music.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Soukup.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Jeanette, daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kaye and Mike McDonald; son and daughter-in-law, John and Mary Soukup; nine grandchildren; mother, Mary Soukup; two brothers, Arnold H. and Ray; and one sister, Rubye Prokop.

CARD OF THANKS We wish to express our sincere thanks to everyone who offered kind assistance and sympathy at the time of the death of Elmer Soukup. THE SOUKUP FAMILY

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

Elmer married Jeanette Grote on 5 Sep 1946. Jeanette was born on 17 Nov 1920 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 3 Dec 1995 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"(Raymond) attended Country School District #67, graduating from Milligan High School in 1944. He joined the Army Air Corps in January 1946, serving in Okinawa. He was discharged in March 1947. Ray attended Barber College in Omaha....(he) barbered for 25 years and is currently employed at the University mail room. He is a member of the Lincoln American Legion Post 3, the V.F.W. and Lodge Lincoln 246."

Obituary from Linconl JournalStar.com

Raymond "Ray" Earl Soukup, 83, of Lincoln, passed away June 18, 2010 peacefully at home with family by his side. Born December 19, 1926 to Harry and Mary (Skejskal) Soukup on a farm near Ohiowa. Served in Air Force, barbered in Lincoln for 25 years, retired from UNL postal service in 1989. Ray enjoyed retirement for 21 years with his wife, Betty, watching their grandchildren grow, traveling, gardening, volunteering, singing, and enjoying the Czech culture. Member of WFLA Lincoln Lodge #426, Lincoln VFW, American Legion, DAV, Capital City Czech Choraliers, Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln. Volunteered at the Food Net of Lincoln.

Survived by his wife of 59+ years, Betty (Vnoucek), Lincoln; daughter, Barbara Jorgens, Lincoln; grandchildren, Paul and Angie (Jorgens) Jedlicka, Wahoo, Kelsey and Justin Jorgens, Lincoln; sister, Rubye Boin, Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Tillie Soukup, Friend, Dorothy Skrivanek, Milligan, Arlene Kassik, Milligan; brother-in-law and wife, Joe and Anna Vnoucek, Friend; many nephews and nieces. Very special friends, George and Evelyn Lowery. Preceded in death by daughter, Nancy Soukup; father and mother, Harry and Mary (Stejskal) Soukup; brothers, Arnie and wife, MaryAnne, Elmer and wife, Jeanette; brother-in-law, PFC Loren Vnoucek, Leslie Skrivanek, Leonard Kassik, Arnold Vnoucek and wife, Evelyn.

Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Wadlow Rozanek Funeral Home, 5200 'R' St., Lincoln, with Rev. Michael McDonald officiating. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m., Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, with military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday June 22, 2010, with family receiving friends and relatives at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to WFLA Scholarship Lincoln Lodge #426. Arrangements: Wadlow Rozanek Funeral Home. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent to wadlowrozanek.co

Raymond married Betty Barbara Vnoucek on 9 Nov 1950 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska. Betty (daughter of Joseph Robert Vnoucek and Ella Eret) was born on 17 Apr 1929 in Friend, Saline County, Nebraska; died on 18 Jan 2022 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary
Lincoln Journal Star
June 8, 2013
Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy

Rubye Ann Prokop Boin, was born September 17, 1929, the last of four children to Mr & Mrs Harry Soukup of rural Ohiowa. She passed away peacefully on June 5, 2013.

Preceded in death by parents, brothers Ray, Elmer (& wife Jeanette) and Arnold (& wife Mary Anne) Soukup and niece Nancy Soukup. Survived by daughter, Susan & husband Tim Hester, Lander, Wyo.; son, Rich Prokop & wife Sheri, of Belgrade, Mont.; son, Rob Prokop & wife Natalia, of Wilber; granddaughters, Staci & husband Shawn Wilkinson, Lander Wyo., Savannah and Shannon Prokop of Belgrade, Mont. and Yanga Dolzhikova of Berkeley, Calif.; and great grandchildren, Connor & Trinity Wilkinson, Lander, Wyo.; nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Betty Soukup of Lincoln and Eleanor Prokop of Finlayson, Minn.

Services: noon Wednesday, June 12, at Tabitha Chapel, 4720 Randolph, Lincoln. Memorials to Fresh Start Home

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Rubye married Edward John Prokop on 25 Oct 1947. Edward was born on 11 Jul 1928 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 18 Feb 2010 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska; was buried on 23 Feb 2010 in Bohemian Brethren Cemetery (AKA Cesky Bratri Cemetery), Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Medical):Epilepsy

Nancy 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]

Notes:

Rob Prokop, 67, of Wilber, passed into eternity on October 14, 2022, after a long bout with cancer. Rob was born on April 8, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Edward and Rubye Prokop.

Preceded in death by his parents, Rob leaves behind a loving family including wife Natalya, stepdaughter Yanga, mother-in-law Evgenia, sister Susan and Tim Hester of Lander, Wyoming, brother Rich and Sheri Prokop of Belgrade, Montana, several cousins and nieces, and many, many friends. Heaven welcomes home a good man. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 30, at 2:00 pm. To take place at the Wilber Fire Department, located one block south of the main downtown intersection of Highways 103 and 41. Donations to the Wilber Fire and Rescue.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Oct. 21, 2022.
(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy)

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]