HAROLD AND MARCELLA [CHOCHOLOUSEK] ALDER
Harold Edward Alder was born August 25, 1916, to Daniel Edward and
Cora Grace (Hudson) Alder (featured in a separate family history).
He attended the Dorsey and Star schools and in 1942 joined the Army.
After basic training in the states, Harold was sent overseas to
England until D-Day. A member of the 79th Infantry Division, he was
one of the many soldiers who, on June 6, 1944, crossed the 40-mile
channel and landed on Omaha Beach in France in the famous “Battle of
the Bulge.” After 11 ˝ months of combat in France and Germany, he
was sent to Austria before returning home.
After spending a week with his folks in Dorsey, he began working as
a mechanic at Verdigre Motor, operated by Henry Chalupnik. In 1945
Harold bought two lots from Rudolph Barta in the northern part of
Verdigre and later moved a house onto them.
[pg 196 photo The Harold Alder family: standing, from left: Donna,
Patti, Beverly, and Harold. Front: Janet, Chuck, Marcella, and
Kenneth]
In 1946 Harold met Marcella Ruth Chocholousek, the daughter of Frank
and Kristina Chocholousek (featured in a separate family history),
at a dance in Pierce, Nebraska.
On July 14, 1947, Harold and Marcella were married at the courthouse
in O’Neill, Nebraska. They lived in the house on the two lots Harold
had bought two years earlier (and live there yet today).
They were parents of six children: Beverly, Kenneth, Patti, Charles,
Janet, and Donna. When the kids were young, the family enjoyed
watching Harold play town team baseball. They also enjoyed fishing
in many area ponds, including those on the “home place” in Dorsey
where many childhood memories were made.
Harold operated a road grader for Knox County and later worked for
Smith Construction for a number of years.
Tragedy struck the family twice. In 1960 their house caught on fire
and was gutted. The interior was reconstructed and they remained at
that residence. In 1970 Harold suffered a severe stroke and was
forced to retire.
In 1967 Marcella was hired as the head cook at the Verdigre Public
School. She worked there until 1983 when she joined the staff of
Alpine Village Nursing Home in Verdigre as the Supervising
Dietitian, a position she still holds.
Harold and Marcella’s oldest child, Beverly Jean, was born living.
After graduation from Verdigre High School, she joined the army and
met Gene Stone, a military man. They were married and had two boys,
Ronald and Patrick. They lived in several states and Germany before
their marriage ended. Beverly now resides in Black Hawk, South
Dakota.
Kenneth Edward was born living. He married Vickie Kinnison,
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Kinnison of Verdigre (see
separate history), and they have three children: Kristine, Bryan,
and Steven. Ken served in the army for few years and now works for a
steel company in Norfolk; they live in Battle Creek, Nebraska.
Patti Kay, born living, married Thomas Block, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Gordon Block of Verdigre. They had two boys, Douglas and Scott,
before they were divorced. Patti worked in Norfolk and Madison
before moving back to Verdigre with her two sons. She later married
Kieth Stoural, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Stoural of Verdigre, and they
have another son, Tyler. They live three miles east of Verdigre
where they farm.
Charles Dean was born living, and married Patty Marshall, the
daughter of Leo Marshall of Verdigre and Darlene (Frank) Marshall.
They have three children: Marsha, Greg, and Michelle. They live in
Norfolk where he has been in the trucking business for several
years.
Janet Lea was born living, and married Robert Frank, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Frank of Verdigre. They have a daughter, Gina,
and a son, Casey. In 1986 they purchased a farm three miles
southwest of Verdigre where they are engaged in the dairy business.
Janet is presently employed at Maly’s Corner Store in Verdigre.
Donna Mae, the youngest, was born living. She married David
Frank, also a son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Frank. In 1985 they bought
a farm 12 miles southwest of Verdigre where they operate a dairy
business. Donna is also employed at the Verdigre Eagle. They have no
children.
-Submitted by Mrs. David [Donna Frank] Alder
Pages
196
