ADOLPH AND MARTHA [TRSEK] KOTROUS
Adolph Kotrous, son of Andrew and Anna Salak Kotrous, was born
December 13, 1890, on a farm near Milligan in Filmore County,
Nebraska. There he attained the eighth grade at a country school 2 ½
miles from their home.
In the year of 1906 the family moved into Knox County and located on
a farm near Verdigre. His father passed away in 1907, leaving their
mother with four children. They continued farming until 1915 when
the family was dissolved. Adolph continued farming another year and
worked out at various jobs. In 1912, when the United States declared
war on Germany, Adolph enlisted in the U. S. army and became a
member of the 31st infantry which took him through many foreign
countries. After the war, he returned to the Verdigre community
where he worked at different jobs. In 1923, seeking some business
education, he enrolled at Boyles College in Omaha for eight months.
After leaving college, he obtained employment with Walrath and
Sherwood Lumber and Coal Company at Omaha. There he worked until
1928 when the firm transferred him to Verdigre as manager of their
lumber and coal yard.
In 1934 he was married to Martha V. Trsek and two sons were born.
In 1935 Adolph resigned as manager of the lumber and coal business.
He accepted a position as secretary-treasurer of the Verdigre
Co-operative Association, just being organized, and operated as such
until 1943 when it was organized as a commercial bank (The Bank of
Verdigre). He was cashier until 1954 when he left the banking
business and operated a tavern for two years. After disposing of the
tavern business, he continued the insurance business. He was also a
Knox County Service Officer. Since 1920, Adolph was a member of the
local American Legion Post, serving as Post Commander for many
years. He was a 50-year member of the local ZCBJ Lodge, serving as
financial secretary for many years. He was also on the local school
board for 18 years and served as village treasurer from 1930-1972.
Adolph was treasurer of the Riverside Cemetery Association and
manager of the ZCBJ Hall for several years. He was a member and
treasurer of Veterans WWI barracks No. 2147, a member of V.F.W., and
life member of AEF Siberia, an association of American ex-military
and citizens with World War I experience in Siberia.
Adolph passed away March 4, 1975. Survivors include his wife Martha,
two sons Thomas of Columbus, Nebraska, and Richard of Verdigre, and
two grandchildren, Sara Lynne and Ann Elizabeth.
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