THE CHARLES CHOCHOLOUSEK FAMILY
Charles Chocholousek, the youngest child of Anton and Anna
Chocholousek, was born on April 4, 1901, on a farm which was 5 ˝
miles southwest of Verdigre. His early childhood was spent on the
family farm and he received his elementary education in the Red Top
Schoolhouse which was District 39. In the spring of 1915, Charles
completed his eighth grade education and the following fall, his
parents moved to Verdigre where he continued his education at the
Verdigre High School.
After Charles graduated from high school in 1919, he worked in the
Verdigre Creamery and was later employed by Charles Pavlik, Sr.
During the same year he and his brother Louis, joined the Pavlik
Band.
In the fall of 1925, Charles moved to Greeley, Colorado. His first
employment was in a sugar factory, then he became a butcher in a
meat market. Two years later, he moved back to Verdigre. On
September 14, 1927, he married Wilma Pavlik at St. Wenceslaus
Catholic Church in Verdigre. His wedding day began his lifetime
membership in the Roman Catholic Church.
After his marriage, he and Wilma lived on the Pavlik farm and
Charles farmed with his father-in-law, Charles Pavlik, Sr. His first
child, William Charles, was born on living, on the Pavlik
farm.
[pg 219 PHOTO Charles and Wilma [Pavlik] Chocholousek]
During the thirties, Charles and Wilma continued to farm and to
raise their family. Martha Chocholousek, a niece of Charles,
organized an orchestra in which both Charles and Wilma played. This
orchestra entertained often within the community for many years.
Charles became active in the Catholic Sokol group and he
participated in tournaments in Tabor, South Dakota, Omaha, Clarkson,
and Dwight, Nebraska. During many of these events, Charles was
awarded medals for his performances.
In 1936, Charles began working for the Chalupnik Chevrolet Garage as
a mechanic. On living, a daughter, Charlene Catherine,
was born to Charles and Wilma in Verdigre.
In October, 1943, Charles, Wilma, and their family moved to Omaha
after Charles was offered employment in the Martin Bomber Plant. He
served on the ground test crew, preparing the B-26 Marauder Martin
Bomber for flight. Later, Charles worked as a crew leader, riveting
Boeing B-29 wing sections.
After the bomber plant closed, Charles worked as a mechanic for
Peatrowsky Garage until December, 1945, when he moved his family
back to Verdigre. He worked for Ted Yager as a welder for twelve
years. Later Charles was employed for eleven years by the Knox
County Bridge Crew as a welder until he retired in 1971.
During his years in Verdigre, Charles became active in the Verdigre
Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for eight years.
He also held offices for several years in the Catholic Workman
Fraternal Lodge.
Charles and Wilma continued to play in local bands throughout the
years they lived in Verdigre. Both musicians developed fine
techniques on their instruments and interpreted their music with
sensitivity.
Wilma became a member of the St. Wenceslaus Church Choir, was one of
the founders of the Block Rosary and served on committees for the
Ladies Guild at St. Wenceslaus.
On July 28, 1962, Charles and Wilma’s daughter, Charlene Catherine,
married Theodore Joseph Ondracek at St. Wenceslaus Church. Six
months later, on January 18, 1963, Wilma died after a prolonged
illness.
Shortly after, Charles began traveling with his son, William, in a
total of seven trips, they traveled 33,000 miles, stayed in 85
campsights and visited the 48 continental states.
Charles possessed mechanical and engineering talents which he
utilized regularly throughout his various areas of employment during
his lifetime. Many members of this community are still familiar with
the hay baskets and hay wagons which he designed and built for
farmers.
On living, a grandson, Theodore Charles Ondracek, was
born in Des Moines, Iowa. On December 23, 1981, Charles died
suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Verdigre.
-Submitted by Charlene Ondracek
Pages
219, 220
