HENRY J. AND HELEN [ULRICH] CHALUPNIK
Henry James was the first child born to James J. and Anastazia Beran
Chalupnik on July 10, 1911, in Verdigre, Nebraska. They lived in
east Verdigre, across the railroad tracks, close to James J’s
business - the Verdigre Creamery. He was followed into this world by
four sisters: Marianne, Gertrude, Beatrice, and Lillian. Henry spent
his entire twelve years at Verdigre Public School, graduating in
1931.
Helen Catherine Ulrich Chalupnik was born October 9, 1913, on her
parents’ farm 4 ½ miles west of Creighton, Nebraska, to Ferdinand
Ulrich and Mathilda Renner. She attended school at St. Ludger’s
Academy in Creighton. Altogether, there were seven children which
made for a very lively household.
Henry and Helen were married on August 20, 1935, at St. Ludger’s
Church in Creighton by Father Windoph. They happily celebrated their
Golden Wedding Anniversary on August 20, 1985, in Verdigre with all
their children, grandchildren, brothers, and sister, and many
friends in attendance.
They were blessed with one daughter, JoAnn Marie, on living. She attended Verdigre Public Schools, graduating in May of
1961, exactly 30 years after her father graduated from the same
institution. JoAnn married LaVerne Lee Maynard on April 28, 1962, at
St. Wenceslaus Church, Verdigre, and they now reside in Omaha,
Nebraska. They have two sons, Royce and Terry.
Royce Alan Maynard was born living. He graduated from
Westside high School, Omaha, Nebraska, in June of 1981, just 20
years after his mother and 50 years after his grandfather. He also
graduated from SE Community College in Milford in September of 1983,
with an Associate Degree. Royce now resides in Omaha and is pursuing
Bachelor studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Terry Lee Maynard was born living, in Omaha, Nebraska. He
also attended District 66 schools, graduating from Westside High
School in June of 1982. He currently is a student at the University
of Nebraska in Lincoln and will earn his Bachelor’s degree in June
of 1987 with a major in chemistry and a minor in mathematics.
After graduation, Henry worked for his father in the Verdigre
Creamery, later driving a butter truck route to Sioux City, Iowa.
J. J. Chalupnik started a filling station in 1930 or 1931, having a
franchise to sell WNAX gas and oil products. In 1933, they switched
to Skelly and finally in 1939 to Mobil Oil. The bulk tank business
was sold to Bill Schreier on August 19, 1953. In 1932 an addition
was built on to the station and a Chevrolet dealership acquired. By
this time, Henry was working in the station. It was now called
Verdigre Motor Company. Gradually Henry and Helen acquired full
ownership of the firm.
[pg 216 PHOTO Helen and Henry Chalupnik and JoAnn Maynard]
When their child was in school and the business grew and demanded
more time, paper work, and bookkeeping, Helen started helping out
part time in the office, eventually working up to full time, side by
side with her husband until their retirement. They received many
accolades from General Motors, Inc., for their excellently-run
business and meticulous bookkeeping. In 1974 the business was sold
to Robert Sheckler.
Both Henry and Helen have been active in church and civic work.
Henry was a volunteer fireman for about 20 years. He has been a
member of the Commercial Club (now Improvement Club) since its
inception, serving on many committees for this organization. He is a
life-time member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, a fraternal
member of the Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, being
past Grand Knight and holding many offices therein. He received an
Admiralty in the Nebraska Navy and a Commercial Club award in 1981
in appreciation for services rendered.
Helen is a member of both the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and
the Catholic Ladies Guild and has held many offices in both
organizations. She is currently Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
of Alpine Village Retirement Home.
Together they are enjoying their retirement, living in the home they
built in 1948, enjoying the company of friends and family,
traveling, baking, quilting, and doing various volunteer tasks for
local organizations.
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