JERRY AND GERTRUDE [HOLAN] JIROUSEK
Jerry Jirousek, son of Frank and Anna Jirousek, was born March 28,
1886. He had one sister, Mary (Mrs. Albert Vakoc). He came to the
county with his parents at the age of two.
On June 6, 1911, he married Gertrude Adelaide, daughter of Joseph M.
and Rose Mary Stoural Holan. She was born December 16, 1886. The
couple had two children, twins Jaroslav Edward and Marguerite Rose.
They were born November 7, 1912. Jaroslav died that day and
Marguerite the next.
Jerry first owned a meat market in Verdigre, then worked as Section
Foreman for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for many years until
he retired in the 1950s. For over 25 years, he was also known as the
most authentic-looking Santa Claus in the community. He started this
tradition of appearing each Christmas season as ''good old St.
Nick'' for his nieces and nephews. Each Christmas Eve, he made many
visits to private homes, churches, and schools in addition to riding
down Main Street in the fire truck with his jovial ''Merry Christmas
everybody!'' His wife, Gertrude, worked with him as Mrs. Santa,
preparing treats for youngsters and keeping his Santa Claus uniform
in impeccable condition.
Jerry Jirousek died May 4, 1959, and Gertrude about December 17,
1965.
Page 290
