CHALUPNIK, Anton (1840-1910)

CHALUPNIK

Posted By: Dale Halupnik (email)
Date: 10/19/2005 at 18:36:34

Traer Star Clipper - December 1910

Anton Chalupnik, an aged Bohemian, residing in east Traer, was found dead on the east edge of town at 4 p.m. Tuesday. He had gone down town about 9 a.m. as was his custom. As he failed to return for dinner some concern was felt as to his whereabouts, and search was begun. He had been seen about 11 a.m. passing Williams Sprole’s residence, but now one else recalled observing him after 9 or 10 o’clock. A couple men in passing along the east limit of town observed a man lying down, but took him to be a drunk or a tramp and passed on. Finally after 4 o’clock the searchers found the lifeless body of Father Chalupnik lying beside the road leading to the slaughter house, under a tree. He had been in failing health several week and had suffered. For an hour or two Tuesday forenoon snow fell with blinding force, and it is supposed that on returning home from town the old gentleman became confused and lost his way, finally sitting down beneath the tree to rest, or possibly becoming overcome by an attack of the heart. It was evident he had been dead several hours when found.

Mr. Chalupnik was one of the honorable and well known Bohemian residents of north Tama. He was born in Bohemia in 1840, and came to America in 1865 and settled on a farm in Carroll township thirty-six years ago. Here he reared a large family, and seven years ago he and his wife came to Traer to live. Of ten children born to them eight are living, all full grown, as follows; John, J, J. and Mrs. Julia Adamek, all living in Jackson county, Minn; Mary Drahos, Geneseo township; Rosa Vlasak, Clutier; Fanny Vlasak, Carroll Township; Mrs. Josie Soucek, Traer; Emma, at home. The deceased was an upright, hard working man, one who was disposed to do right, one who held the friendship of his acquaintance. While the circumstances of his death are lamentable, the physician thinks death would have resulted, even had he been at home. The funeral was held yesterday. Services were conducted at the home in Traer at 1 p.m. by Rev. Joseph Hajek, of Cedar Rapids. Burial was in Buckingham cemetery.