A transcription of pages 195-469,
Family Histories from the Verdigre Centennial Book
Thanks to the Verdigre Library and its volunteers for making this available.
 
The index below only includes the husband and wife for each family.
The maiden name for the wife is used if listed.
For other names, use the search on the Home Page.

Index's A-I, J-P, & Q-Z

THE FLOYD BENNAR FAMILY

Floyd H. D. Bennar was born April 29, 1911, in the Pleasant Valley community west of Verdigre, Nebraska. His parents were Gus and Anna Block Bennar. Gus was the youngest son of David and Christina Fosterman Bennar, born on January 7, 1883. Anna Block Bennar, a daughter of Herman and Augusta Belka Block was born in Germany on February 2, 1884. She came to the United States at the age of six months. Floyd was the second eldest child, preceded by Sophie, and followed by Alvin and Florence. A brother David died in infancy.

Floyd farmed with his family in the Pleasant Valley community until he grew to adulthood. He attended Pleasant Valley School District No. 47.

On February 21, 1934, Floyd was united in marriage to Lillian E. Pospisil. Lillian was the youngest daughter born to Joe and Mary Polecek Nikl Pospsil. Joe was born in Celice, Moravia, on June 15, 1882, and came to the United States on September 23, 1905. He had employment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for several years before coming to Nebraska. Mary Polecek was born to Annie and Vac Polecek on August 18, 1872, in Opocenice, Moravia, and came to the United States in 1879 at the age of seven years.

Floyd and Lillian took up farming west of Verdigre, living on several different farms. In 1947 they moved to a farm north of the Jelen School and Store where they resided until 1963 when they retired to an acreage on the north edge of Verdigre.

[ pg 202 PHOTO Floyd H.D. Bennar and one of his many horses]

Throughout his life Floyd had a great love for horses. He always had several saddle horses and a large work team. Even after horses were unnecessary for farm work, he continued using his work team for odd jobs around the farm. His love for hoses grew into a sideline business. During the years he ran a good-sized herd of Shetland ponies as well as raising, buying, and selling saddle horses. He and his family were active members of the Niobrara Saddle Club for many years.

In later years on the farm, his interest grew to include buffalo, different varieties of deer and wild sheep. Upon retiring to Verdigre, this interest grew to include llamas, some wild fur-bearing animals, water and upland fowl. Floyd and Lillian enjoyed many visits from people near and far to see their managerie.

Floyd and Lillian had two daughters. Their eldest, Violet, was born living. On October 9, 1955, she married Gordon Smolek, son of Tom and Amelia Smolek. To this union three children were born: Pamela, Joyce, and Larry. Pamela, who was born living, married Kenneth Sukup on July 10, 1976. They have two daughters, Miranda who was born living, and Michelle, born living. Their second daughter Joyce was born living, and she married Jan Sharp on October 20, 1984. Larry, their son, was born living. He married April Moore July 28, 1984.

Floyd and Lillian’s youngest daughter, Ardis, was born living. She married John L. Pavlik, Jr., son of John and May Pavlik, on December 23, 1961. Three children were born to them: Mark, Monica, and Michael. Mark was born living. Monica, who was born living, was married to Virgil Pavelka on living. Their youngest son, Michael, was born living.

On November 3, 1966, Floyd was to make his last trip to his farm 8 ½ miles northwest of Verdigre. There he was injured when a horse he was riding went over backwards knocking him unconscious. He was taken to the Lundberg Memorial Hospital at Creighton, Nebraska, where he passed away at the age of 55 years, 6 months, and 5 days. Death was attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage. His interment was in the Jelen Cemetery west of Verdigre.

It was so sad to have one of the things he loved so much in life take that from him. He has been dearly missed by his family these past 20 years.

Page 202