BLANCHE [BARTAK] DOBRICHOVKY
Blanche Bartak was born in Verdigre on November 21, 1911, to Louis
and Antoinette Bartak. She attended Verdigre public School, and when
she was nine along came baby brother, Robert Louis. Her childhood
days were spent helping care for Bobby, learning to cook and sew,
and at the age of six, she began piano lessons which she continued
for many years. The highlight of her childhood was to receive a new
player piano and to be able to play new music.
When she entered high school, she took part in dramatics,
declamatory contests, and provided the music for the assembly.
When Blanche graduated in 1930, she was the recipient of the
Regent’s Scholarship. In the summers of 1929 and 1930, she attended
Wayne State Teacher’s College and began working for a teacher’s
certificate. She taught in rural schools for several years.
After her marriage to Walt Dobrichovsky on August 28, 1933, Blanche
helped him in his business in Verdel and Verdigre for a time.
On living, their daughter, Shirley, was born and then
Blanche devoted her time to raising her and gardening, canning,
sewing, and entertaining family and friends.
As years went by, the family enjoyed many vacations and they usually
had a special family pet.
After Shirley graduated in 1952, she attended Wayne State for two
years and then taught six years in the Verdigre Public School,
making her a third generation teacher following her grandmother,
Antoinette (Mrs. Louis Bartak), and her mother, Blanche.
On November 26, 1954, Shirley married Melvin Thompson of Niobrara
and blessed their family with two darling granddaughters, Lori Lynn
and Kathi Ann. Blanche took pride in helping with her grandchildren
when they were babies and later to babysit while Shirley taught
school. The granddaughters always wanted to play school which agreed
with her just fine! They liked to help her with the cooking and
planning meals.
As each girl reached the age of about eight years, she became
interested in music, so Blanche gave them each piano lessons for
about six years.
After Lori Thompson graduated, she also attended Wayne State, and
the next year married Dennis Pierce of Verdigre and blessed Walt and
Blanche with two lovely great-grandchildren: Brett Aaron (now 6 ½
years) and Staci Marie (3 ½ years).
-Submitted by his daughter, Shirley Thompson
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