RUDOPH A. AND BLANCHE [VAKOC] JULIS
Rudolph A. Julis was born October 29, 1920, to Anton Julis and
Mildred (Hirsh) Julis. On June 8, 1942, Rudolph married Blanche
Vakoc, daughter of Albert Vakoc and Mary (Jirousek) Vakoc, at the
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Rev. Charles J. Oborny officiated.
They began their married life on a farm located south of Verdigre
where they lived most of their lives. Rudolph purchased the 240-acre
farm from his father and later purchased the Frank Dusek farm and
Walter Fricke land. They built a new home in 1951.
Rudy, as he was known by everyone, loved farming, first with horses
and later with tractors and modern machinery. Rudy and Blanche
raised hogs and cattle, chickens, ducks and geese, and milked cows
the first few years. They raised a large garden and some fruit
trees.
They both loved to dance, especially to the music of the good Czech
bands.
Rudy took pride in all he did. He served on the school board of
District No. 68, on the Verdigre Township Board for many years, on
the St. Wenceslaus church committee and later the parish council,
was a member of the Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus
Council No. 1238. Rudy was a member of the Verdigre Improvement Club
and helped with many projects in the community.
Blanche, too, serves on the parish council and is a member of the
Catholic Daughters Court St. Catherine Laboure No. 1802. She is a
member and has served as president and treasurer of the St.
Wenceslaus Altar Society for several years.
[pg 293 PHOTO Rudoph and Blanche Julis]
Presently she serves as treasurer of the Rural Northwest Deanery of
the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Rudy attended school at Rohrer’s School and at District No. 68. He
loved to hunt and fish as well as trap.
Blanche attended school at District No. 93 and later graduated from
Verdigre High School as valedictorian, earning a scholarship to
Wayne State Teachers’ College which she attended and earned a
three-year certificate to teach elementary schools. She taught for
several years at District No. 93 until the time of her marriage to
Rudy.
On June 2, 1982, Rudy and Blanche celebrated their 40th Wedding
Anniversary with their families and friends at the Verdigre Locker
Lounge. Just 1 ˝ years later, on December 20, 1983, Rudy suffered a
heart attack and passed away at his home.
Blanche continues to live on the farm, doing artwork, and with the
help of family, neighbors, and friends, has been able to carry on.
Using the words of Rudy’s friend, he was practical, very enjoyable,
down to earth, sincere, very pleasant, unadorned, genuine beauty - a
joy to mankind;” a true friend, always helpful, loving, kind and
dedicated, loving God and neighbor, and adding a bit of humor to
spice up the lives of everyone around him.
-Submitted by Blanche Julis
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