Friday, February 22, 2019

Obituary: Alfred J. Krupicka

Obituary for Alfred J. Krupicka

Alfred James Krupicka of Exeter, Nebraska was born on May 27, 1915 to Kristina Bernasek Krupicka and Charles Krupicka Sr. on a farm southeast of Milligan, Nebraska. He was the fourth of five children. Alfred passed away at the Fairview Manor in Fairmont at the age of 103 years, 8 months and 23 days.

He attended Milligan Public School through the 10th grade when he began his farming career working for his brother-in-law, Felix Bedlan Sr. for 50 cents a day. He then partnered with his brother, Charles, on a farm near Geneva. From there Alfred worked for Ewalt Amusement Company and Peter Kiewit Construction. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Alfred volunteered for service in the Coast Guard in February 1942. Alfred received basic training at the Algiers Naval training station, which was across the river from New Orleans. He was then assigned to the Naval Shipyard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he served until, he was honorably discharged in November 1943. After leaving the service, Alfred worked for “Swede” Bulin as a mechanic in the service station at the corner of Maple and Main Street in Milligan, Nebraska before purchasing the property and starting the Club Loyal in the basement.

Alfred met Irene Svec at a dance held in the Milligan Auditorium. They were married on August 24, 1948 at the Fillmore County courthouse. Their wedding dance was held in Burress, Nebraska, and the Steinacher Family Harmony Knights band provided the entertainment.

In their first year of marriage Alfred and Irene lived in Milligan next door to Alfred's parents. Irene and Alfred were employed at the Horseshoe Inn where Irene worked as a waitress and cook, and Alfred was a bartender. The couple then moved to Fairbury where Alfred worked in retail sales at Gambles. From Fairbury, Alfred and Irene went back to farming and rented farms northeast of Milligan and north of Grafton and Fairmont for several years. They moved to Exeter around 1955, where they spent the rest of their married life together. Alfred worked for Mumby’s service station in Fairmont for several years, as well as, operating his own service station for 3 years in Fairmont. Alfred and Irene also operated a drive-in called the Frosty Inn located in Exeter. Alfred finished his career working for the Nebraska Department of Roads until he retired.

In 1965, Alfred started a polka band with his two sons, Larry and David, called the 3K’s. In time, his daughters Carolyn and Judy joined the group. They entertained at many establishments throughout the area, including Milligan, KOLN-TV, and the Nebraska State Fair. Alfred and his son David continued to entertain at various events around the area for many years.

Alfred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who would do anything for his family. He was an accomplished mechanic and carpenter. In addition to performing mechanical work on farm machinery and the family cars, he built the house at Exeter from the ground up with his father’s help. Alfred’s greatest love was his family and entertaining with his accordion playing Czech music. Alfred was always looking for opportunities to see many family members together for holiday events. The more the better.

Alfred was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 240 in Milligan for 77 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife Irene of 60 years; his parents Charles and Kristina; brothers and sisters.

He is survived in life by sons Larry (Debby) of Lakewood, Colorado and David (Linda) of Exeter, Nebraska; daughters Carolyn (Mark) Brock of Sidney, Nebraska and Judy (Scott) Hulse of York, Nebraska; Grandchildren Jeff (Stasha) Krupicka of Paris, Texas, Jason (Kelley) Krupicka of Denver, Colorado, Jennifer (Todd) Sheffield of Pella, Iowa, Amanda Brock of Portsmouth, Virginia, Andrew Brock of Sidney, NE, Mariah and Mitchel Hulse of York, Nebraska; and Great Grandchildren Emma and James Krupicka of Denver, Colorado.

A Funeral Service for Alfred was held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home – Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska. Kim Dunker officiated the service. Deb Brunkow provided the prelude and postlude music and she also accompanied Maureen Beck in the singing of “Amazing Grace.” Maureen provided special music on the accordion, “When We Parted.”

Pallbearers for the service included Andrews Brock, Jason Krupicka, Mitchel Hulse, Jeff Krupicka, Kenneth Soukup, and Richard Soukup. Honorary Pallbearers included Felix Bedlan, Bernard Zeleny, Laverne Krupicka, and Charles Krupicka. Interment was held in the Bohemian National Cemetery and Military Rites were provided by the Milligan American Legion HSSK Post 240.

Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Milligan American Legion HSSK Post 240 or the Fairview Manor.

No comments: