Joseph Shimanek 1887-1943

SHIMANEK, SYBLE, MULVIHILL, HUFFAKER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 7/13/2020 at 06:42:14

1 April 1943 - The Anamosa Journal

OXFORD JUNCTION--Joe Shimanek, 56, assistant fire chief of the Oxford Junction Volunteer Fire company dropped dead Friday noon from an attack of heart disease while assisting in carrying a hose at the fire which burned the main building of the F. J. Petersen plant here. He was also an employee of the Petersen plant for the last 15 years.

Fire, starting from an undetermined source on the second floor of the building was quite difficult to combat. Wyoming company was called and helped fight the fire. Other buildings of the plant were not in any way harmed because of the fine work of the combined fire companies. Amount of the loss is still undetermined. There is very little insurance according to Berner, the manger of the plant.

Funeral services for Joseph Shimanek were held Monday afternoon from the late home. Antone Vanicek, speaker for the Z.C.B.J. Lodge Boudoucnost conducted the service, with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kolarik singing accompanied by Mrs. Frank Kulhavy.

Those in charge of the floral offerings were, Mrs. John Burda, Jr., Frank Koranda, Otto Benhart, Delbert Burda, Joe Tyc and Frank Tyc. Burial was in the Mayflower cemetery.

Joe Shimanek was born in Oxford Junction, March 25, 1887, the son of Charles and Frances Shimanek. He was united in marriage to Antonia Syble, Table Rock, Neb., Feb. 19, 1913. They farmed in Iowa and Minnestoa for a while.

He was an active member of the Z.C.B.J. lodge and had been a member of the Volunteer Fire company for 12 years, eligible for retirement but because of a shortage of the younger men and a need for more firemen for Defense work he remained an active member of the company.

He is survived by his wife, one son, Sergt. Charles Shimanek, Camp Custer, Mich., four brothers, Atty. Frank Shimanek and Ed, Oxford Junction; Lumir, Superior, Wis., and John in the U.S. Marines; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Mulvihill, Oxford Junction; Mrs. Anna Huffaker, Eugene, Ore., and Miss Helen, Oakland, Calif.