Hruska, Charles 1845-1939

HRUSKA, PHILLIPS, SUCHAN, NOVAK, FREY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/21/2013 at 17:34:31

Source: The Howard County Times April 19, 1939, Page 6

Charles Hruska

Charles Hruska, Spillville’s oldest resident and most highly respected citizen, passed away early Thursday morning, April 13, 1939, at his home here at the advanced age of 94 years. The deceased, a son of Albert and Rosalie Hruska, was born at Sobeslev, Czecho-Slovakia on January 12, 1845. In 1866 when he reached the age of 21 years, he enlisted in the Prussian army and two years later he bade farewell to relatives and friends of his native country and came to America. He first located at Cleveland, Ohio, and about three years later came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he has since resided, a period of over 68 years. In the year 1871 Mr. Hruska was united in marriage with Mrs. Kathryn Phillips. Four children were born to this union, Charles and Victoria, deceased, Mrs. Eleanor Suchan, Spillville and Anna at home. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hruska established their home on a farm in Sumner township about five miles west of Spillville where they endured all the privations of pioneer life. However by their hard and honest labor they progressed as the years advanced, and became known as one of the most prosperous families of this community. In 1905 they left their large farm of 190 acres and moved to a smaller farm adjoining Spillville. His wife preceded him in death fourteen years ago. His two brothers and sister are also deceased. Besides his two daughters he is survived by four grandchildren, Mrs. L. C. Novak of Protivin, Mrs. W. D. Frey of Spillville, Louis Suchan, of High, Ia., and Stella Suchan, Spillville, also eight great-grandchildren, Inez and Sylvia Novak, Jean, Marian, Kathryn and Joann Frey and Eugene and Gerald Suchan. Prior to his last illness, which was of two weeks duration, Mr. Hruska enjoyed remarkable health and a keen mentality for a man of his age. In his declining years he was comforted by his daughter Anna who constantly remained at the home with him, and the frequent visits of Mrs. Suchan which he so much enjoyed. The latter also spent the past two weeks at the bedside of her father during his final illness. He was a devout Catholic and died fortified by its last rites.

Funeral services were held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock at St. Wenceslaus church. Rev. V. J. Hlubek officiated. Burial was made in the cemetery adjoining the church. The pallbearers were J. P. Kuhn, John Korbel, Anton Chvatal, Alois Kovarik, James Strnad and James Triska, all members of the Catholic Workmen Lodge, with which the deceased was affiliated. Other members of the lodge also escorted the remains to its final resting place. May his kindly soul rest in peace as the gentle rains of spring spread an emerald blanket of vendure over all that now is mortal of Charles Hruska. Relatives and friends who came to attend the funeral were Mrs. Rose Hruska, Mrs. John Koudelka and daughter Arlene of Little Turkey, Louis Suchan, High, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hruska, Frank and James Hruska, Elma, Mrs. Charles Mikes, Fredericksburg, George Hruska and daughter, Calmar, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Novak and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kalishek and Ludwig Novak, Sr., Protivin and Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Frey and daughters.

Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.

St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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