Obit for James Chamra

T S C 9-91

Funeral services for James Chamra, 78, of Toledo, were held Wednesday, Sept 4, at Henderson-Overton Funeral Home in Toledo, with burial in Stejskal Cemetery, Vining. He died Sunday, Sept 1, 1991 after becoming ill at his Toledo home.

The Rev. Alfred Kaupins officiated at the funeral service and organist was Jody Karkosh, with Elaine Lenhart providing vocal music. Active casket bearers were Bill Chamra, Randy Tollefson, Dennis Hagerty, Jeff Feisel, Milvoy Dvorak and Robert Hardy. Honorary casket bearers were Arnold Dahlen, Franklin Bro, Evan Thomas, Gerald Miller, Milvoy Cibula and William Kupka. Tending to floral tributes were Marian Duhachek and Pauline Genskow.

James Chamra was born April 1, 1913, near Vining, Iowa, the son of Vince and Mary (Pitka) Chamra. He received his education in a country school near Vining and began farming with his parents.

On Aug. 14, 1934, James married Velma West at Tama, Iowa, and they made their home on the family farm for three years before moving to Toledo, where Jim was employed for Iowa Electric for 14 years. They returned to farming, near Vining, until 1965, when they moved to a farm in the Decorah area. They retired to Toledo in 1971. In more recent years, Jim's health had failed.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and when he was able enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Edward; one brother, Frank and four sisters, Blanche, Emma, Agnes and Anna.

He is survived by his wife, Velma; two sons, Richard of Shannan N. C., and Ronald of Toledo; two daughters, Mrs. Lee (Mary Jane) Tollefson of State Center and Mrs. Kerry (Barbara) Randall of Chelsea; one sister, Mrs. William (Louise) Kaufman of Chelsea; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by: Karon Howatt Mazie