$ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International

Zarja
Official Publication Slovenian Union of America
Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki

Volume 85 Issue 4
July/August 2013

The Dawn

Aggie Gruenke and Shirley Vertacic of Branch 1

Zarja - The Dawn
EDITOR: Debbie Pohar
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St.
LaSalle, IL 61301-1359
TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596
FAX: 815.224.1074
WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org
PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America

President’s Message
Greetings:
I would like to start off with a HUGE thank you to everyone
who has donated his or her Burial Insurance Policy back to
SUA. This is greatly appreciated! As many of you know we
operate on a very slim budget. Treasurer Carol Ryba does a
fantastic job making sure every dollar spent is necessary and
no cheaper option exists. The National Board donates most of
their expenses getting to/from meetings, telephone, postage,
ink, paper, etc. All of these little things make a difference and
our books are starting to show it. We have come a long way!

(Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America)

TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926
Vol. 85, No 4, July/August 2013
Published bimonthly
Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL
and additional mailing offices.
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to:
SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA

Do you need to get motivated in your Branch or are you looking
for ideas? If so, be sure to read all of the Branch reports. From
the east coast to the west coast we have many exciting events
happening.
Special congratulations to Branch 1 for their efforts at Family
Festival. You can read more about this in their report. Also to
Branch 109 for another spectacular year at Festival of Nations,
and to Branch 93 for a successful practice run of the online
language class that will soon be open to everyone.

(Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America)

431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703

Communications for the next issue of publication
Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share
with readers, like an event you want to let people know about
or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you!
Please e-mail the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the
right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit
your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must
be related to SUA events or members. The deadline for articles
is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For
example, articles for the September/October issue must be
received by July 15th. Thank you.

Submission Guidelines
Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone
number, e-mail address, and mailing address with each
submission, including e-mailed submissions.
Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted
materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal
(or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach
your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is
irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with
us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.)
By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian
Union of America (formerly the Slovenian Women’s Union of
America) the use of the material, including your name,
hometown, and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute
it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or
appropriate place.

Ryba’s Reminders is an important article to read on the
discontinuation of the Burial Insurance. If there are any
questions, don’t hesitate to ask. If you did not receive a survey
via e-mail in regards to the 2015 National Convention, and would
like to participate, please contact me at wprokup@aol.com.
The committee is looking for feedback from our membership.
Congratulations to all the graduates and to those who recently
were awarded SWU Scholarships. We are very proud of you!
Please look at page 32! We are looking for volunteers to help
make SUA bigger and better. If you can spare some time, please
let me know. We especially need help with a Membership
Campaign. In closing, thank you for your time, your
membership, support, and let’s keep the communication lines
open. Your membership is very important to SUA!
Bonnie Pohar Prokup
National President, SUA
wprokup@aol.com

The Slovenian Union of America
has been approved to operate as a 501(c)(3)
non-profit tax exempt organization!

All donations given to SUA
are tax deductible.

SUA Donations
Thank You!
$100 Donation
Ganster, Diana, 20, Zarja
Gregorich, Nancy, 20,
+Rose Mary and William Gregorich
$75 Donation
Morrissey, Janet, 100, +Mabel Sleyko
Zakelj, John, 109, Honor of Jean Rolstad
$25 Donation
Blackford, Nancy, 50,
+Ann Dekleva Stanonik, grandmother
Gaber, Agnes, 2, SUA
Govednik, Joseph, 13, SUA
Kamin, John, SUA
Radosevich, Zora, 33, +Margaret Lubina Radosevich
Stumm, Dona, 99, +Dona Bucar Sye
Williamson, Mary Jane Vidmar, 103, SUA
Williams, Debra, 5, +Frances Yovanovich

Welcome New Members
1, Knop, Dione
2, Ninneman, Liam
3, Egan, Mary Lou
3, Ellis, Mary L.
10, Yassine, Carol
13, Majerle, William J.
30, Kiernan, Courtney
30, Kiernan, Susan
30, Pasich, Gwendalynn
33, Kornmann, Jean
43, Rojina, Ivanka
50, Stupica, Samantha
100, Martin, Dixon
100, Sleyko, Steven
103, Long, Allison
108, Erbas Kelly, Nettie

$20 Donation
Dovnik, Karl Jr., 43, Honor of Rosalie Dovnik
Marchiori, Emily, 24, +Julia Novak Kosem, my mother
Sorensen, Valerie, 3, SUA
$15 Donation
Seehafer, Olga, 43, +Cecelia Marolt, my mother
Springer, Martha Svete, 103, +Jane Barle Svete, Mary
Oblak Barle & Frances Mavec Svete
$10 Donation
Branch 43, Heritage Fund +Ray Delopst
Brady, Sharon, 24, +Helen Swietek
Cummings, Sherrill, 20, +Ed Makovic
Klun, Marie, 23, +Rose Kozar
Potla, Roseanne Kirk, 50, +Anna Fortuna
Ribich, Rosemary, 35, +Johanna Ribich Sever
Simenz, Susan Marie, 1, +Anna Jeruc
$5 Donation
Ferguson, Michalene, 20, SUA
Lenkaitis, Cathy, 24, +Helen Swietek
Lenkaitis, Alex, 24, +Helen Swietek
Lenkaitis, Adam, 24, +Helen Swietek
July/August 2013

Submitted by William Majerle, California
formerly from the Iron Range area of Minnesota
1

Ryba’s
Reminders
by Carol Ryba - National Treasurer

DISCONTINUING
BURIAL
INSURANCE

We want to thank all members who understand why SUA is discontinuing the Burial Insurance, but we also certainly
understand why some members are disappointed in this decision. Based on the many telephone calls and e-mails
which we have received, some of you did not understand the letter and some were not pleased with only receiving the
actuarial value. We apologize that this article was not published prior to sending the Election Forms, but we did not
receive approval and guidance from the Illinois Department of Insurance until after the last publication deadline.
Throughout this process we have been guided by our lawyers who have worked closely with the Illinois Department
of Insurance. We know that change is always difficult, but it is necessary. The National Board is excited about
preserving our wonderful Slovenian culture and heritage, which we believe should be our main purpose in the 21st
century.
We are the last Burial Insurance Society in the State of Illinois. It is also important to know that we are not an
insurance company and we do not use an accounting firm to do all of the administrative work. If we chose to operate
as two separate entities, it would be far too expensive for a benefit that only applies to half of our membership.

long the policy was in force, and more importantly, the
life expectancy of a person. An actuarial computer program
was provided to us by the Illinois Department of Insurance,
Question: “Why will I only receive the certificate reserve and this is what was used to calculate certificate reserve
value (actuarial)? I have been a member for many years values. Also the Department of Insurance has approved
these amounts.
and I paid more than the death benefit value.”
Following are questions and comments which I will
address:

Answer: The annual dues are NOT for separate insurance
premiums. The insurance is just an added benefit for being
a member. In the insurance industry it is not unusual that
when insurance is paid to the living policy holder, the death
benefit value is not paid. The payment is always based on
actuarial value.

Question: “Why do I have a $100 policy and why does
my daughter have a $300 policy?”

Answer: Again the amount of the insurance is based on
their age when a person joined. These different policy
values were always listed in our bylaws. Also, there were
some promotions in the early years which are the reasons
Question: “How is the reserve value (actuarial) that some members had a rider of $50 added. For
calculated?”
example, we have a few members who have a policy in
the amount of $350. In the early years we also had “A”
Answer: The Illinois Department of Insurance uses a and “B” members. “A” members paid less in dues which
complicated formula to calculate the actuarial value was their choice. Therefore, many only have a policy in
(reserve value) if a policy is cashed in before death. It is the amount of $100 vs. $300.
based on the age when the person joined SWUA; how
2

Zarja The Dawn

Question: “Since my insurance is
cancelled, why should I continue my
membership?”
Answer: The National Board of course is
very concerned by this comment. We value
each and every member and we would hope
that those who consider cancelling their
membership change their decision. The
National Board is dedicated to preserving,
educating, and experiencing our Slovenian
culture and heritage which we believe is our
main purpose. We will continue to work on
all the scanning and indexing of our
important valuable historical records, and
we plan to seek grants which will be used
to aid in these efforts.
Notes Written on Returned Forms:
“NO, I want to keep my insurance; I want
death benefit value not certificate reserve
value.”
Comment: These choices cannot be
honored. We are discontinuing the insurance
and we have approval from the State of
Illinois that we are only obligated to pay
the reserve value.
We recognize that the insurance had a
wonderful useful purpose in the 1930’s, but
in today’s economy it really does not do
much for a beneficiary. In fact, many
beneficiaries do not even claim the insurance
because they do not know it exists.
In conclusion, we know that many of you
love your heritage and culture. This is why
the National Board of Directors is involved
and donates many hours of work. Our goal
has always been to preserve our heritage.
We chose to qualify as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization so we have possibilities
for tax exemptions, grants, and donations.
Many benefits will be available to us
because we have qualified as a 501(c) 3
non-profit corporation. Per our attorney,
qualifying for this status would have been
highly unlikely if we remained in the
insurance business.
July/August 2013

History of the Burial Insurance through SWUA/SUA
In 1926 the Slovenian Ladies’ Union of America was
founded as a burial society and incorporated by the Illinois
Secretary of State, but in 1933 it was re-incorporated by
the Department of Insurance as the Slovenian Women’s
Union of America. Throughout these 80 years we were
bound by the rules and regulations of the Illinois
Department of Insurance.
At the 1999 Convention, delegates moved to eliminate
issuing policies to new members. It had been 73 years since
this insurance was initiated. The insurance, as written, was
deemed to be out of date. The meager dollar amount had
little relevance in today’s world. SUA needed to be realistic!
Furthermore, a multitude of paper reports and financial
statements needed to be filed each year and submitted to
the Department of Insurance; each year it posed a
significant cost, not including the time and labor to
complete such reports.
At the 2011 Convention, it was voted upon and approved
to eliminate the burial insurance.The most recent policies
being issued to our young members would be active to the
year 2070+ and beyond when medical advances and life
expectancy were factored in. In addition, again it was the
cost of filing to the Department of Insurance and the sum
of human labor and time. The SUA needed to be realistic.
Since 2011, the entire process has been guided by a law
firm in Chicago that specializes in non-profits. They have
worked with the Department of Insurance to ensure the
correct process. This burial insurance was the last of its
kind in Illinois. Policy values came from the actuarial table
provided by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Also
factored into the value was the status of membership; at
one time there were classifications, A or B member!
Throughout all these years, it was necessary to keep all
insurance policies at actuarial value in our trust account.
In hindsight, this insurance should have been dissolved
decades ago. The recent board saw no alternatives; they
faced the facts. The SUA, as it existed, needed to be
dismantled and rebuilt. At the 1999 and 2011 conventions,
the membership spoke, and the National Board listened
and heeded. With the guidance of the Department of
Insurance and a Chicago law firm, the National Board is
assured proper procedures have been followed.

3

SWU Scholarship Foundation
by Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Director

CELEBRATING 64 YEARS OF FINANCIALLY ASSISTING STUDENTS
Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students
with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture.

SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Announces 2013 Scholarships
The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation is
pleased to present the scholarship winners of 2013. We
thank SWU Scholarship Committee members most
sincerely for their work, and salute our young scholars for
their academic, civic, and community proficiency.
JOSEF PRINC
MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP
of $4,000.00 for a
Graduate Student
has been awarded to
DANIELLE
V E N T U R I
CAREY
of
Glendale, Colorado.
Danielle graduated
from
the
Community College
of Aurora, majoring
in Equine Science,
and will enter Texas
Tech University’s
Master of Occupational Therapy Program at the School
of Allied Health Sciences. Danielle has managed the daily
operation of a busy equine therapeutic riding center, serving
100 students and patients per week. She supervises a team
of therapists and instructors as they maintain partnerships
with special need schools and implemented individualized
programs to meet their goals. Danielle has been the
caretaker of an 18 year old girl with a spinal cord injury,
organized a refugee children’s clothing store beginning in
2009 to the present, volunteered at a pediatric therapy
center under the supervision of an occupational therapist,
and volunteers in the Saddle up Foundation. This program
controls a horse during a therapy session to help stabilize
the student and keep them safe. Franc Mostar of Ljubljana,
4

immigrant to Leadville, Colorado, and Marie Barbrovsec,
born in 1864 in Ljubljana, are Danielle’s earliest Slovenian
ancestors, followed by the Horvat, Blatnik, Mostar, and
Kastgelic families of Colorado. Her family has owned and
bred quarter horses for over 30 years. Danielle is a member
and certified instructor of the Professional Association of
Therapeutic Horsemanship from 2009 to present.
BRANCH 2 - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AWARD of
$2,000.00 for a College Student was awarded to JAMES
KOCI, Branch 100 - Southern California. James has
graduated from Dana Hills High School, where he held a
3.98 GPA, ranking first in his class, and will study Physics
at the University of Notre Dame. James is exceptionally
well-rounded. He is a member of a long and diverse list of
school clubs and is an outstanding athlete and a talented
musician. As manager of a five-piece band, he serves as
the group’s lead guitarist, and songwriter. His band, “Numb
Desire,” plays at venues for private parties, school, and
city functions and can be reviewed on the website:
www.numbdesiremusic.webs.com and has recorded
DVDs. James plays various instruments in other groups,
and sings in his local
church choir, where
he also is an altar
server. Community
involvement activities
include
being a
volunteer for the
United
States
Geological Survey,
Boy Scouts of
America, American
Mathematics
Competitions, private
tutoring in math and
science
(2009present), an active
SNPJ lifetime member, putting on performances for the
Teen Experience Leadership Program, and has been a
member of the Slovenian Union of America for the past
seven years.

Zarja The Dawn

JEAN KURILICH
SCHOLARSHP of
$1,000.00 for a
College Student has
been awarded to
J A R E D
MORRISSETTE,
Branch 99 - Lemont,
Illinois. Jared is
currently a student at
the University of
Illinois, Chicago,
studying Mechanical
Engineering. One of
Jared’s challenging
courses, the class ME
250 Introduction to Engineering Design and Graphics, was
a project-based design course which included an eightweek project in which students work to design and build a
device to solve a specified problem. Jared’s work placed
him in the top 15% of the class. As a fortunate descendent
of Slovenian ancestry, Jared is an active and
knowledgeable participant in family Slovenian activities.
He was able to travel to Slovenia and truly appreciates his
heritage. Jared is interested in developing new
environmentally safe methods of electrical power.
JEAN KURILICH
SCHOLARSHIP of
$1,000.00 for a
College Student has
been awarded to
AMY KONCAR,
Branch 20 - Joliet,
Illinois. Amy has
graduated from Joliet
Catholic Academy
and
will
enter
Fontbonne University
to study Speech and
Language Pathology.
Amy holds a 4.7 GPA
(which
includes
several college courses) and a sixth place ranking in her
class. As a member of the National Honor Society, National
Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Math
Honor Society, and President of the Key Club, she has
contributed well to the Academy. Amy visits the local
nursing homes regularly, tutors students, and volunteers
as a buddy for handicapped baseball. In addition, she is a
member of KSKJ, the Slovenian Catholic Center, SUA’s
Branch 20, and involved with their events. Amy has chosen
speech and language pathology as a major because of the
joy she receives when she helps others.

July/August 2013

FRANCES BARMAN SCHOLARSHIP of $1,000.00
for a College Student has been awarded to ALEX
KOSSAKOSKI, member of Branch 42 - Maple Heights,
Ohio, residing in
Walpole,
New
Hampshire. Alex will
graduate from Fall
Mountain Regional
High School and plans
to enter Sacred Heart
University where he
will major in Sports
Management and
B u s i n e s s
Administration. Alex
has been a member of
Branch 42 for 18
years, and is a former
resident of Maple
Heights, Ohio. He is a
member of the
National
Honor
Society, Math Team, Interact, freshmen rugby, and baseball,
which are some of his extra curricular activities. Interact
is a chosen group of 12 students, nominated by teachers
to do community services. Not only does Interact annually
supply food baskets and catering dinners, but their biggest
project is El Salvador, where they go for a week and build
eight houses there each year. Alex says that Interact has
been a giant influence on him and his goals for the future.
Alex’s number one goal is to graduate with a Master’s
Degree in Business Administration.
F R A N C E S
B A R M A N
SCHOLARSHIP of
$1,000.00 for a
College Student has
been awarded to
M A T T H E W
FITZSIMMONS,
Branch 108 - Olney,
Maryland. Matthew
will be graduating
from
DeMatha
Catholic High School
and will enter the
Catholic University of
America in fall to
study Biological Sciences and Music. Matthew has a love
for music and science which is reflected in his school
activities. He has held principal position in DeMatha’s Wind
Ensemble trumpet section and other community groups,
and was recently awarded the 2013 John Philip Sousa Band
5

Award. He has consistently been selected, by audition,
during all four years of high school to represent his school
in the Maryland All-State Orchestra and Band trumpet
section. He also participates in a Jazz Ensemble and Brass
Ensemble for special activities at DeMatha’s music
program. Mathew shares his talent at special church
services of various denominations, youth groups, and
attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. with his
church youth group during the last two years. As a Boy
Scout since elementary school, Matthew has worked hard
through the ranks, and this year he became an Eagle Scout,
earning scoutings highest rank. As a scout he served in
leadership positions, and worked on various community
projects. After all the religious oppression Matthew’s
grandfather experienced prior to leaving his beloved
Slovenian homeland, throughout his life he said
“Knowledge and education are your greatest powers,
for as long as you live. No one can ever take these
away from you.” Mathew remembers his grandfather’s
words well.
SWU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
MERIT AWARD winners:
BARBARA PROKUP, Branch 24 - LaSalle, Illinois, will
graduate from Saint Bede Academy and will enter Saint
Mary’s College in fall, majoring in Occupational Therapy.
ANGELA PEREZ, Branch 3 - Pueblo, Colorado, will
graduate from Pueblo South High School and enter
Colorado State University in fall, majoring in Medicine/
Microbiology.
KIRSTEN LOREK, Branch 14/50 - Euclid, Ohio, will
graduate from Lake Catholic High School and will
attend Duquesne University this fall, majoring in Athletic
Training.
MEGAN JOHNSON, Branch 102 - Willard, Wisconsin,
is attending the University of Wisconsin- Stout where
she is majoring in Professional Communication.

6

Scholarship Donations
$2,000 Donation
Frances Reichelderfer funding of two Jean Kurilich
Memorial Scholarships in memory of her mother.
$400 Donation
Sean & Raeanna Tucker
$120 Donation
Carl Megow, Jim Megow, Julie Jones, Kathleen
Megow Boliou, Lois Megow, Eileen Imes Stansbury
and Janice Imes Seitz, all loving nieces and nephews
of Raymond Delopst, in their Uncle’s memory.
$100 Donation
Kirsten Lorek, SWU Scholarship Merit Award winner
is contributing her 2013 Award to the SWU
Scholarship Foundation.
$30 Donation
Judith Rechlitz and Family
$20 Donation
Branch 42 - Maple Hts, OH, +Mary R. Perko

For information, questions, and greatly needed
contributions, please contact:
Mary Turvey
4 Lawrence Drive
Marquette, Michigan, 49855
mturvey@aol.com
or Marge Church
1028 Skyland Drive
Macedonia, Ohio, 44056
yemec1@windstream.net
Hvala! Hvala! Thank you, kind donors for your
support of our scholarship program.

Zarja The Dawn

Membership Application and Renewal
Slovenian Union of America
(Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America)
slovenianunion.org sua@slovenianunion.org 815.727.1926

For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page
Adult Dues $25.00

Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00

Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00

If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dues are for January through December
If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year
Membership Renewal Notifications are sent annually in January
Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to:

Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703
Last Name________________________________ First Name_______________________ M___ F_____
Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________
Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________
Date of Birth_________________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________
Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________
Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES
___________________________________________________________________________________
How did you hear about us? SUA Member___ Newspaper___ Website___ Other_____________________
I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is______________________________
Applicant’s Signature__________________________________________ Date______________________
Tell a Friend! If you wish SUA to send information to a friend or relative, please provide us with their name and address:
Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ (located on back cover)
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________
Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703

July/August 2013

7

Death of a Surname
By George Plautz, Zarja Staff Writer
A Record of Immigration

Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879
Historians state that most Slovenians immigrated to the
United States between 1880 and the end of World War I.
At the rate I am discovering those with roots in Slovenia,
I wonder if we will ever know how many immigrated. We
continue with immigrants from Slovenia who settled all
over America. By the 1870’s, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa
have burgeoning communities. Thank you to Terry Stacy,
who consistently provides me with confirmation of dates
from Crnomelj Parish records.
UPDATE: I have listed John and Jacob Gorse (Illinois)
{Gorshe, Gorsche} in previous columns. Recently I
received a series of e-mails from one of their descendants
with new information. I was not aware that John and Jacob
were brothers; their father’s name is Stefan. John is
supposed to have been born in Rucetna Vas, near Semic,
in Crnomelj Parish, otherwise family lore states the
birthplace is Semic. The new date for immigration for John
is 1835; he was born September 10, 1814, he married
Catherine Holser in 1843, in Hamilton, Missouri. John died
April 11, 1890, or 1891. Jacob immigrated in 1845. John
was a millionaire at the time of his death. He, his wife, and
children were reburied in Hamilton, Missouri. One son,
John, born about 1860, survived, changed his surname, and
moved to the east coast. No one knows what happened to
him. Albert James, according to cemetery records, born in
Missouri, August 6, 1869, but in the 1870 U.S. Census,
1861; George, born 1865, died May 6, 1895; Joseph
Clement, born August 9, 1864, died April 18, 1886.
1870-Sometime between 1870 and 1873, Martin Simonic
(Simonich) arrived in America, originally settling in Bellville,
Illinois, before settling in California. He was homesick for
the hills of his homeland, so from Illinois he took a train
with a companion and eventually walked to Porterville,
Tulare County, California. There he met other
acquaintances from Semic, as the area must have
resembled his homeland. He married Anna Pezdirc on
December 10, 1882, in Porterville. Martin was born in
Semic Parish on March 30, 1849, and died on September
20, 1942, in Porterville. Anna was born November 3, 1853,
in Slovenia, died November 24, 1924, in Porterville. Martin
and Anna had the following children: Francis, born July 8,
1883, died May 28, 1937, in Porterville; Anna, born
December 15, 1884, died June 20, 1973, in Porterville; Mary
(Sister May Reginalda), born March 3, 1887, died January
17, 1974, in Santa Clara County, California; John, born
January 31, 1889, married Elsie Jane Hechman, died March
15, 1974, in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California;
Martin, born August 3, 1892, married Katharine, died
January 20, 1973, in Oakland County, California; Joseph,
born July 17, 1895, died November 15, 1947; and Catherine,
born June 17, 1898, married Martin Muller, died December
7, 1942, in Porterville. Martin was a farmer and rancher.
8

Thanks to a family researcher for submitting information
about him and his family.
1870-Before or during this year, Andreas Perijon (Perion),
born April 12, 1823, in Mavrlen house number 11, Crnomelj
Parish, arrives in Clinton County, Iowa. His parents are
Andreas Perion and Katharina Tabor. He married Maria
Rom, the daughter of George Rom and Katharina Majerle.
Mary was born February 9, 1832, in Bistrica house number
9, Crnomelj Parish, and the couple married in Crnomelj
Parish on February 18, 1852. Mary was previously married
to a John Lackner. Four sons arrived with them: John, born
May 21, 1854, married Mary Smith, died February 26, 1910,
in Woodbury, Woodbury County, Iowa; Andrew, born June
23, 1859, in Loka house number 16, Crnomelj Parish,
married Elizabeth Carey in 1888, died April 13, 1934, in
Edmunds, South Dakota; Jacob, born June 15, 1864, in
Loka house number 16, no other information known; and
Joseph, born March 20, 1867, in Loka house number 16,
Crnomelj Parish, married Ella Murphy, died about 1954,
probably in Iowa. Andreas farmed near Browns Township
in Iowa. He and his wife had the following children after
their arrival in America: Mary, born August 4, 1870, in
Clinton County, Iowa, married Anton Fier, died November
3, 1935, in Charlotte, Clinton County, Iowa; Mathias Perion,
born December 16, 1872, in Wright County, Iowa, married
Mary Maurin, daughter of Josef Maurin and Maria Jerman,
listed below, died January 8, 1959; and Peter Perion, born
about 1878, he married Mary (Molly Ludwig), no other
information is available.
1872-During this year Steve Jerman arrived in the United
States and settled in Red Jacket, Houghton County,
Michigan, according to the 1900 U.S. Census. He was
born about 1851. His wife, Annie, was born about 1856.
They had the following children: Annie, born about 1884;
Maggie, born about 1886; Mannie, born about 1889;
Steven, born about 1892; and Fred, born about 1897. I
could find no records pertaining to this family after the
1900 U.S. Census.
June 4, 1873-On this date, Mathias Oman arrived in New
York and then traveled on to Brockway, Minnesota. Mathias
is the son of Gregor Oman and Katharine Kosir, born
February 24, 1830, in 97 Vas of Gozd, Kranjska Gora,
Slovenia. He married Mary Kozjek about 1865 in Slovenia.
They were the parents of fifteen children, four who died
in infancy. Mary Kozjek was born about 1843, and died
about 1885. Their children are: John Ohman, born
December 13, 1866, died March 13, 1936, in Little Falls,
Minnesota; Andreas, born about 1870 in Slovenia, married
Jennie; Mary, born about 1872 in Slovenia, died December
26, 1942; Joseph, born about 1875, married Mary Vouk,
died June 7, 1931, in St. Cloud, Minnesota; Francis, born

Zarja The Dawn

about 1877, died May 24, 1990; Michael Ohmann, born
September 6, 1879, in Albany, Minnesota, died May 29,
1966, in Butte, California; Joseph Ohmann, born February
7, 1875, in Albany, died June 7, 1931, in St. Cloud,
Minnesota. There are many descendants of the Oman and
Ohman (Ohmann) family who are tracing their family
history.
July 21, 1873-On this date Michael Lorditch (Lovretic)
arrived in America and settled in Johnstown’s Cambria
City section, with his second wife, Margaret Panjan.
Michael’s first wife died, and their daughter, Theresa, was
born October 12, 1868, in Dragatus Parish, married Henry
Gunselman, died February 14, 1920. Michael and Margaret
had the following children: Michael, born about January 6,
1872, in Golek, Dragatus Parish, Slovenia, died August 16,
1956; Unnamed child, born 1873 in Slovenia, died October
2, 1879; Unnamed child born September 1875, died May
17, 1876; George, born April 12, 1877, died September 26,
1966; Mary, born May 5, 1879, married William Ritter, died
about 1960; Margaret, born June 1881, married John
Buchanan (Buchan), died April 9, 1937; Joseph, born April
12, 1877, died on September 26, 1966; and William, born
September 19, 1885, died on December 22, 1968, in
Ebensburg, Cambria, Pennsylvania. Johnstown was the
place of death for most of the children. Michael was born
on September 12, 1838, in the Bela Krajina region of
Slovenia. His brother George preceded him in immigrating
to Pennsylvania. Michael and Margaret were married on
June 30, 1869, in Slovenia. Michael worked at the Cambria
Blast Furnace, was a butcher, and worked for the Street
Commissioner’s Department. Michael died October 1909,
in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Margaret Panjan was born in
1848 in Dragatus Parish and died May 3, 1936, in
Johnstown. I’m grateful to Brian Posun for providing the
background information on his ancestor.
1873-During this year Paul Blenkush arrived in Minnesota.
Paul was born February 25, 1836, in Kranjska Gora,
Slovenia, and died after 1900 in Stearns County, Minnesota.
Paul is the son of Caspar Blenkush and Mary Louticher,
mentioned previously in this column. Paul married Mary
Smoley, the daughter of Thomas and Maria Smoley, in Wald
11, Gozd, Kranjska Gora, on January 29, 1866. Mary was
born about 1841 and died before 1896. Paul and Mary had
the following children: Peter, born July 12, 1866, in Kranjska
Gora, married Eugenia, died January 14, 1891, in St.
Stephen, Stearns County, Minnesota; John, born May 26,
1868, in Kranjska Gora, died June 17, 1943, in Morrison
County, Minnesota; Agnes, born January 1870, in Kranjska
Gora, married Joseph Justin on February 25, 1889, in St.
Stephen, died on February 20, 1962, in Oregon City, Oregon;
Mary born about 1873 in Kranjska Gora, married Mathias
Arm, died January 23, 1894, in St. Stephen; Paul Benjamin,
born July 8, 1875, married Mary Peternell on May 29, 1901,
in St. Stephen, died on January 11, 1961, in St. Stephen;
Frank, born January 2, 1876, in St. Stephen, died on May
11, 1897, in St. Stephen; Emilie, born December 7, 1877,
died April 12, 1895, in St. Stephen; Michael, born November
6, 1879, in Brockway Township, Stearns County,
Minnesota, married Johanna Peternell, on July 17, 1899, in
St. Stephen, died March 20, 1910, in Brockway Township;

July/August 2013

and Matilda, born August 29, 1881, in St. Stephen, married
Michael Joseph Ohmann, son of Michael Ohman and Mary
Kozjek, died October 20, 1960, in Fresno, California. Paul
and his brothers were farmers in Stearn County. As noted
in this column many marriages occurred between the
children of the immigrants, most of which came from the
Kranjska Gora region. Many family members are
researching their family history.
1873-During this year, Joseph Maurin settled in Clinton
County, Iowa. Joseph was born December 23, 1852, in
Loka, house number 8, Crnomelj Parish, Slovenia, to George
Movrin and Anna Loser. Joseph came to Iowa to be with
his sister, Anna Maurin, mentioned earlier in a column about
George Teshak. Joseph married Maria Jerman in January
1880, in Sugar Creek, Clinton County, Iowa. Maria was
born in August 1859. Joseph and Anna Maurin moved from
Sugar Creek, Iowa, to Center, Lyon County, Kansas. They
had the following children there: Joseph, born November
30, 1880; Mary, born September 1883, married Mathew J.
Perion, son of Andrew Perion and Maria Rom, listed above;
Anna, born June 1886; Katherine, born July 1889; Barbara,
born July 11, 1891, married Albert Joseph Hahn, died in
October 1978, in Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa; Rose Ann,
born January 30, 1895, she worked as a maid in Davenport,
Iowa in the 1930 U.S. Census; Lizzie, born April 1897,
working as a servant for a private family in the 1920 U.S.
Census; John George, born September 5, 1899, married
Rose McDonald, died November 1963; Angelus, born about
1903, in Clinton County, Iowa. Joseph died before 1920;
his wife, his son Joseph, and daughter Angelus, are found
in the 1920 U.S. Census for Delmar, Clinton County, Iowa.
1873-During this year, Peter Dershay (Derzaj) arrived in
America. According to the U.S. Census record in 1910,
Peter, his wife Kate, and son John, were living in Forest,
Lewis County, Washington. Peter was born about July 2,
1850, in Dragovanja Vas, house number 1, currently
Dragatus Parish, Slovenia, and died on April 21, 1921, in
Forest. Peter’s parents were Michael Derzaj and Katharina
Jelenic. Peter and Kate had eight children, of which two
were living in 1910. Peter and Kate had two sons: Peter,
born April 21, 1889, died March 28, 1907, in Chehalis, Lewis
County, Washington; and John, born about 1892, died on
November 15, 1927. A daughter, Mary Catherine, born
February 4, 1888, married Peter Brannon, on September
3, 1907, in Seattle, died October 7, 1965. They had three
children: Gladys (1907-13); William (1909-1997); Elizabeth
(1912-?). John married Rose Dluhosh on November 22,
1916, in Chehalis. Rose was born June 21, 1895, died on
October 19, 1996, in Thurston County, Washington. A son,
Jack, was born April 25, 1921, and died on November 30,
1991, in Thurston. Jack was married on November 8, 1946,
in Thurston, to Laverne Arlene Robertson. Laverne was
born on May 29, 1927, and died on February 27, 2002.
From public records, Jack Dershay and Laverne Robertson
had a son. Peter was a farmer. Washington became a
state in 1889; records before that period are hard to obtain.
To contact me: by mail: George Plautz,
1307 Dragon Head Drive, Valrico, FL 33594
or by e-mail at doblice@gmail.com
9

by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk

I want you
My family
ago, in an
today is the

to know who I am.
roots began centuries
area of Europe that
country of Slovenia.

It came to Ann Vesel Niemela as she held her first great-grandchild in her arms, “At my 92 years of age, this child
will never know who I am.” The result is a beautiful tribute written to her great-granddaughter, Delysia Dawn.
To quote Hermann Hes:
“Without words, without writing, and without books there would be no history,
there could be no concept of humanity.”

Dear Delysia Dawn,
I am your great-grandmother, Ann Vesel Niemela, of Ely,
Minnesota. I first met you on November 18, 2011, when
my daughter, Judy, your great-aunt, and I traveled to St.
Paul. Taking turns holding you made this a very special
and memorable day. I am writing the family story; it is
dedicated to you personally. I want you to know who I
am. My family roots began centuries ago, in an area of
Europe that today is the country of Slovenia.
My Mother and Father:
I now want to introduce you to my mother and father,
Frances ^ampa and Vincent Vesel, Sr. My mother, Frances,
was the first born to Ignac and Agnes Lov{in ^ampa from
Jelovec, the village of Ribnica, the Province of Slovenia,
10

in the country once called Jugoslavia. The house where
my mother was brought up was still there in 1980 when
Judy and I visited, but it was in disrepair. It has since been
torn down (pictured above).
Frances was a very ambitious and spirited girl. She went
to school through the second grade, then stayed at home
to shepherd the cows and help with the other children.
She went barefoot during the winter. She would wait until
the cows made a cow platter so she could warm her feet.
I was told she developed a heart condition because of such
hard living. When Frances was 12 years old, she begged
her father to allow her to learn the dressmaker trade. She
became an apprentice, lived at the dressmaker’s house,

Zarja The Dawn

and did chores for learning the trade. Frances had her
own Singer sewing machine that Judy and I saw at my
Aunt Ivanka’s house when we visited Slovenia in 1980.
My father, Vincent Sr., went to school through the second
grade. Before the age of 16, Vincent and his father, John
Vesel,* had toured the U.S. on bicycles. My father fell in
love with America and knew he would return someday.
Back in Jugoslavia, he met Frances. They were wed on
May 29, 1911. Frances never let on how young she was
when they were married. She always told us that if she
had not married my father, some other girl would have
gotten him.
*John Vesel was the person who carried and
set up the cross on the old St. Anthony’s Catholic
Church in Ely.
After their marriage Frances and Vincent Sr. lived above
the home and store of his parents. Life was not to their
liking. Frances found Vincent’s mother to be prying and
bossy. On the home front the threat of war was lurking.
Young men were being conscripted into the army. My
father wanted no part of the military. He was a lover, not
a fighter; a Ribnican. The couple were ready to make the
move to America.
My mother’s Aunt Mary and her husband, Adolf Skule, of
Denver, Colorado, became their sponsor. To help fund their
trip to Denver, Frances’ father gifted
them $200, but with a warning - “Do
not expect any more money; this is
your part of the family homestead and
inheritance.” They sailed aboard the
St. Louis out of Antwerp, Belgium.
Now in Colorado, my father got a job
in the smelter in Leadville. My sisters
Mary, Agnes, and Frances were born
in nearby Denver.
Maternal
and
Fraternal
Grandparents:
Ignac ^ampa, my maternal
grandfather, also had come to
America and had settled in Ely,
Minnesota. He worked in the mines
while boarding at the Zupancich home
(later the Lesar home) in Chandler
Location.* This man lived quite a life.
Periodically he would return to
Slovenia, they say to make more
children, and then back to Ely he would
come. His wife, Agnes, my

July/August 2013

grandmother, never came to America. Ignac did write to
my mother, requesting she encourage Vincent to leave
Colorado and make the move to Ely; there was work in
the mines. Heeding their advice, my parents packed two
trunks full of their belongings and hired a man with a horse
and wagon to take them to the train depot. My father gave
the man three silver dollars in payment. In Ely, they rented
a unit in the Stradisher duplex in Chandler Location; the
Dolenc family lived in the unit next door. I was born on
April 15, 1919. My grandfather had waited until I was
born and baptized before leaving for Slovenia. My mother
begged him to get the rest of the family to America. She
had saved money for fares and sent it to two of her sisters,
hoping they would come. Both kept the money and refused
to come. My father never returned to America. Upon his
return to Slovenia, he invested his money in land in Jelovec.
The valley became exclusively owned by the family.
*There were many family nicknames in
Chandler. An explanation from Ed Gobetz:
Such names were common among the rural
areas of Slovenia. Names came from house
names (doma~a imena), from residents of a
particular household, or of previous residents,
or names given by teasing neighbors, etc.
Some are familiar, others have been lost to the
ages. Most of the names below are phonetically
written.

Ann is on the chair in the center, Frances
on the left, Agnes in the back and Mary on
the right.

Kaj (Merhar family);
Shimon (Simon Marolt family);
Kvaso (Ann’s father; kvas, yeast
in Slovenian);
Lachiska, Ann’s mother;
Kosmonkar (Marolt family
down by Mizera’s);
Gretal (Prijatel family);
Knatzoka (Mrs. Zimmermams);
Slemenc (Perovshek, sleme,
ridge in Slovenian)

John Vesel, my fraternal
grandfather, also became a U.S
citizen. He loved America; he
roamed America, never settling in
one spot. I have a copy of his
citizenship papers. Periodically, he
would return to Slovenia. His wife,
Agnes Sterbenc Vesel, never left
Slovenia; she remained in
Sodrazica to care for their store.
John died in a nursing home in
Jugoslavia.
11

Life in Ely, Minnesota:
My mother’s apprenticeship as a young girl made her a
contributing breadwinner for our family. She was able to
design and sew dresses without a pattern. Women would
bring their fabric; she would take the measurements and
then page through the mail order catalog for just the right
dress. Before long, a dress was created, 18-20 dresses a
week. That meant sewing mostly at night when the daywork was over. She charged 75¢ for a housedress. We
were never without good clothing or household items. She
would rip old coats apart, wash and press the fabric, turn
it inside out, and sew up beautiful coats. If my mother had
fancy, silk material left, my dad would say, “make me a
necktie,” and she did. On Sunday morning he was always
dressed in his best clothes for morning Mass. He stayed
dressed all day, not doing any work on Sundays. We either
had company or went visiting. If the Lodge had a picnic at
Sandy Point, we were there all afternoon.
My mother also could knit and crochet. She knit socks,
mittens, hats, and scarves. She would look at a picture of
a doily in the newspaper and crochet one just like it. I
have doilies that my mother made that I continue to use
today. My mother was a great baker and cook, and she
could economize in the process. She would make a bread
raiser of krofe and six loaves of bread at one time. A bread
raiser was a metal tub that sat on a kitchen chair; the
dough was mixed and raised in it. The dough was then
rolled out and cut into circles like a donut, raised again,
deep fried, sugared, and served. Bread and butter was a
great treat, and it became even greater when we were
able to sneak into the pantry and drop our bread into the
sugar box. Each day, we had nine people at our table, five
girls, two boys, and my parents.
As our family grew, my father decided we needed a bigger
house. Come summertime, we moved into the big shed.
Construction began on an upstairs of the house in Chandler.
We slept in the barn and cooked outside. My father hired
a carpenter, Matt Rom, and a Finnish fellow. We moved
into the house before winter. After work or on weekends,
my father would put up the Upson board, and then would
nail lats on the seams. My mother would varnish them. It
took many years to get the house done. My parents did
not like debt, but they did have a mortgage.
Four more children were born in Chandler Location:
Vincent, Milly, John, and I. When Mary and Frances started
school they knew no English, neither did the Finnish children
or the few Italian children. The teachers must have had
such a difficult time teaching. I had two great teachers in
kindergarten, Miss Merrill and Miss Antila. Both had much
patience. When I began kindergarten I cried so much. To
12

calm me down, they let me spend time with my sister in
her 5th grade classroom.
My parents gradually began to learn the English language.
My father went to night school so he could get his
citizenship paper. Several years later my mother took night
school classes and got her citizenship paper also. Now
they could vote. My parents never missed an election.
Candidates would have cars available for rides to the polls.
They were picked up at their homes, driven to the polls,
and returned home. The candidates paid for this service.
When I was young, there were very few vehicles. Grocers
used a horse and buggy to deliver groceries during the
summer and a horse and sled in the winter. Once a week
the grocer would come to each customer’s home to collect
the orders. Deliveries were in the next day or two. That
was the only way we could get 100 pound sacks of flour
and other big items.
In the 1930’s, flour and sugar were packed in 100, 50 or
25 pound cloth bags. Salt and corn meal came in smaller
cloth bags. Once emptied, the bags were bleached, ripped
apart, and made into dishtowels, bed sheets, and
pillowcases for our beds. Fruit came in small and large
crates. Peaches, pears, and plums were canned for the
winter. A bushel or crate of apples was for after school
treats or for school lunch. Many meals consisted of soup
and vegetables; no food was ever wasted. We were always
walking or running, we were all thin and in good physical
shape.
If my mother needed a small item, she would send me to
the grocery store. Everything was charged. The bill was
paid on the day my father got his pay check from the mine.
I also went to buy thread, buttons, bias tape, elastic, and
other sewing needs for my mother. When I was older, she
had me tie the threads on the dresses, iron, and fold them.
Delivery day was Saturday. Whenever I brought Mrs.
Jershe her dresses, she would give me a nickel tip. I never
forgot her. In later years, my sister would marry her son,
and so we were not only good friends, but related!
A coal heater kept us warm and a wood range was used
to cook and bake our foods. There were many chores.
The wood box had to be filled each day after school. Each
day we would bring water from the well; there was no
running water in Chandler Location. Two pigs were raised
each year. Butchering occurred in winter. My father made
blood sausage; the ham and polish sausages were smoked.
Lard was rendered and stored in crocks in the cellar.
Vegetable gardens were huge; cucumbers, corn, rutabagas,
turnips, chives, and the list goes on. Vegetables were

Zarja The Dawn

preserved in jars and/or stored in the cool cellar. A copper
boiler was used for canning. My father made a wooden
rack for the bottles to sit on. Two-quart jars were used for
canning 200 bottles of beans each year. During the summer
I spent time picking berries. When we were older my
brother, Vince, would take my sister, Milly, and me across
Shagawa Lake in a canoe he had made one winter. He
would drop us off in the morning and return around 4 p.m.
We’d have our pails full of wild blueberries. My mother
made pies and canned blueberries for use in the winter.
One quart of blueberries made a big pie. We kids learned
how to do everything, and later all enjoyed having a garden.
Holidays were very special times in our family. Special
goodies prevailed; walnut and apple potica, krofe, turkey,
and home-cured ham. Lent was the preparation for Easter.
On Fat Tuesday special goodies were aplenty; pigs in the
blanket and a big bread raiser of krofe, which we filled
with jelly and dusted with sugar. The following day was
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and a day without
meat. Other fast days during Lent were called Ember
Days*, as was each Friday. On Friday evening, my parents
attended the Stations of the Cross, which were conducted
in the Slovenian language. Stations of the Cross for children
were held on Sunday, as was catechism class. Holy Week
was a busy time. It was church each day: Holy Thursday
for the blessing of Holy Water, Good Friday for the kissing
of the cross, and Holy Saturday for the blessing of the
`egen basket.

it, and then father readied it for the table. Christmas was
another big holiday. My father went down by Shagawa
Lake to cut down a tree. We decorated it with strings of
candy and candy strawberries on a wire, along with
decorative balls, birds, lights, paper chains, and decorations
we made in school. We spent hours sitting on our stair
case playing a guessing game, attempting to guess what
tree ornament someone was thinking of. We could hardly
wait for Christmas morning, usually getting up at 4 a.m.,
and then mother chasing us back to bed.
Birthdays were always special days in our house. It meant
having a 3-layer cake. During summer, the ice cream
wagon came through Chandler, yelling “ice cream.” My
mother would give us a big bowl and 50 cents, and the ice
cream man would fill up the bowl. Once home we would
all have ice cream and cake. We had to eat quickly since

My mother would pack one or two `egen baskets with
ham, ham bread, horseradish, and colored hard-boiled eggs.
We would color the eggs in the morning, which was always
fun. Then it was the walk up the Chandler Stretch and
Camp Street to St. Anthony Church for the blessing. At
the same time, we bought incense and got our bottle of
Holy Water, which was sprinkled around the home during
summer thunderstorms.
My parents went to the late Holy Saturday Easter vigil
and we kids went to church Easter Sunday morning. The
girls wore their Easter bonnets, new dresses, and shoes.
The boys wore suits and their new shoes. Unnecessary
work was not done on Easter Sunday. In fact, no stores
were open on any Sunday during the year. Mine workers
worked five days with Saturday and Sunday off. On Easter
Sunday, my father would line up some colored eggs and
take some nickels out of his pocket. He’d pitch a nickel
and if it landed in your egg, the nickel was yours. Easter
Monday was a school holiday as well.
Thanksgiving was celebrated with a big turkey and many
wonderful foods. Sometimes we raised a turkey, fattened

July/August 2013

Art and Ann Vesel Niemela - July 12, 1948.
13

there was no refrigeration. If we were too much to handle
at home on a Sunday afternoon, my mother would give us
each a nickel and send us uptown. We’d go to Buffalo’s,
buy a big ice cream cone, and then walk around town,
window shopping. When we’d return home, my mother
would say “Are you back already?” Every so often she
needed some peace and quiet.
Mary and Frances quit school when they were 16 years
old. They were not fond of school and my mother needed
their help at home. Vince also quit school and got a job at
the Zenith Mine, where my father worked. After John
graduated from high school, he also went to work at the
Zenith Mine. Mary, Frances, Agnes, and I did housework
for the rich people, school teachers, superintendents, and
bosses at the mines. Some were nice, but others were a
pain. They couldn’t do anything themselves, but they knew
how to give orders. Through the years, my father worked
in three Ely mines: Chandler, Pioneer, and Zenith. He retired
from Zenith at age 65 and
received a monthly pension of $75
and an insurance policy. When he
died at age 89, each of us - Mary,
Frances, Agnes, Vincent, John,
Milly, and I - got a small check
for our share of the insurance.

I married your great-grandfather, Art Neimela, on July 12,
1948. My father wanted us to live with him, but we choose
to get an apartment. I did, however, do the washing and
the cleaning for my father and brothers who were still
home at the time. Vincent and Gertrude Zallar were
married on October 21, 1950, and lived in Ely. John and
Rosemary Bishoff were married on November 21, 1953,
and lived with my father until they bought a farm a few
years later. My father moved in with Frances and Veikko
after he had his stroke. He died one day after his 80th
birthday. Your great-grandfather and I had five children,
Diane, John, Susan, Judy, and Linda. Your greatgrandfather, Art Niemela, had only been retired a few years
when he passed away in October, 1980. Your
grandparents, John and Cynthia McMahon Niemela, had
two children, Arthur and Frances. Frances married
Christopher Loehr, and you, Delysia Dawn, are their first
born.

Frances was the first of our
family to marry. She and Veikko
Maki were married on
September 8, 1938. I was not at
home at the time. I had gone to
Duluth the prior week to work for
Father Spain’s sister, Florence
Simard, who had just had her
second baby. I thought it would
be an adventure, but it turned out
to be a bust. They paid me $7
per week, plus room and board. Grandmother Ann, granddaughter Frances, and great-granddaughter Delysia.
I could do better at home and
mother urged me to come home. People I had worked for In April 2013, I was 94 years old. I have been fortunate to
in Ely kept asking when I was coming back. After Frances have so many good years among family and friends, and
and Veikko were married they lived close to our house in residing in a town so rich in the history and traditions of
Chandler. Their girls spent much time at our house. They my Slovenian ancestry. I give you my love; may the future
were so cute and sweet. My mother died in August of be promising for you. Your heritage can never be taken
1944. On May 15, 1944, Mary and Tony Zavodnik were from you, it belongs to you only. Cherish it.
also married; they lived in Soudan, Minnesota. Vince missed
our mother’s funeral and Mary’s wedding; he had been
drafted into the Army. Agnes went to Minneapolis to work
in an assembly plant during the war. She and Gorden Sunde
were married on September 25, 1948. Milly and Frank
Jershe were married on April 12, 1947, and lived upstairs
in Grandma Jershe’s house in Ely.

Your

Great-Grandmother,

Ann Vesel Niemela

14

Zarja The Dawn

Ember Days
Genesis 8:22
“All the days of the earth, seedtime and harvest, cold and
heat, summer and winter, night and day, shall not cease.”
I had not thought of Ember Days for years, not until
Ann Neimela mentioned it in our conversation. Then a
call to Dolly Shober for a discussion. When it came to
church going, we were a twosome. Dolly and I were
born three days apart, and lived across the street from
each other. “In those days” Ely had a 9:00 a.m. kids’
Mass; adults had their own service(s). Kids coming via
Lawrence Street and the Chandler Stretch would join
ranks around the Depot, and then march the last three
blocks to St. Anthony Church. Girls sat on the left; boys
sat on the right. We could sit with our friends, scout the
crowd for that certain someone we had a crush on that
week, then loiter after Mass to find out what was new.
Never knowing what Ember Days were about, I began
researching the internet. After extensive reading, a
thunderbolt came onto me. Days. There, in my God’s
Corner, lay my missal from those early days when Dolly
and I toted them to church each Sunday, pretending they
were our Bibles. In this New Marian Missal, copyrighted
1961, I found the Ember Day Masses and readings!
First, some history. Embertide, known as Quatuor Anni
Tempora (four seasons of the year), occurs four times a
year, at the beginning of each of the natural seasons,
with the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of the given
week set aside as days of fasting and abstinence. The
tradition goes back to the origins of Christianity. The
Old Testament prescribes these days as the means of
consecrating the year to God (Zechariah 8:19): “Thus
says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month,
and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and
the fast of the tenth, shall be seasons of joy and gladness,
and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah: therefore
love truth and peace.”
Winter: Advent Embertide - Between the third and fourth
Sundays of Advent after St. Lucia, d. 304 December 13
Spring: Lenten Embertide - Between the first and second
Sundays of Lent
Summer: White Embertide - Named after Whitsunday, Feast
of the Pentecost, between Pentecost and Trinity Sunday
Autumn: Michaelmas Embertide - Beginning on the Sunday
after Holy Cross Day, September 14

The purpose was to thank God for the gifts of nature, to
teach men moderation, and was a time to perform
charitable acts. It was meant to focus on God through
his marvelous creation. The dates can be remembered
using an old mnenomic, “Lucy, Ashes, Dove and Cross.”
Each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday has their own
proper Mass. In addition to the epistle reading, there

July/August 2013

can be as many as five Lessons, all from the Old
Testament. This particular Saturday of Ember Week
Mass is taken from my 1961 Missal:
Introit Ps. 87.3 - Lesson Deut. 26.12-19 - Gradual Ps.
78.9, 10 - Epistle 1Thess. 5.14-23. - Tract Ps. 11.1, 2 Gospel Matt. 17.1-9 - Offertory Ps. 87.2, 3 - Communion
Ps. 7.2 - Lesson Deut. 11.22-25 - Gradual Ps. 83.10, 9 Lesson 11 Mach. 1.23-27 - Gradual Ps. 89.13, 1 - Lesson
Ecclus. 36.1-10 - Gradual Ps. 140.2. Ps.89.13, 1
With the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council,
the celebration of Rogation Days (recitation of the
Litanies) and Ember Days were removed from the
liturgical calendar. It was left to the national Bishops
Conference to implement in a way suitable to their
country. As the Western world became more
industrialized, these special days that focused on
agriculture and the changes of the seasons seemed less
relevant. However, a particular request of Paul VI asked
that the celebration always include prayers for vocations.
This was in keeping with tradition that the purpose of
the celebrations are not only a bountiful harvest, but a
petition “the master of the harvest send out laborers for
his harvest (Luke 10:2).” In portions of Europe, parishes
still celebrate these days.
The internet holds many sites on Embertide, however, I
only quote one site. I found the information very
educational, soul enriching, and with artwork that
manifests each season. http://www.fisheaters.com/
emberdays.html
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
All things have their season,
and in their times all things pass under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die.
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which
is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal.
A time to destroy, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather.
A time to embrace, and a time to be far from
embraces.
A time to get, and a time to lose.
A time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew.
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
A time of war, and a time of peace.
- To je to, Mary Lou Deyak Voelk
15

Marie Pivik
Tribute to Long Time Members
Marie Pivik was born in Gore, Slovenia, near Idrija, the
eighth of eleven children in the family of Joseph Novak, a
photographer and tailor, and his wife, Ivanka Petkovsek.
There always was much singing in the home, and members
sang as they went about their work. Marie would sing as
she sheared the sheep, washed and combed the wool, and
then spun it into yarn.
It is not surprising that when she came to America she
joined many singing groups - Triglav at the Dennison
Slovenian Home, Glasbena Matica, Korotan, and St. Vitus
Choir, and founded the West Park Singers. She recorded
with Eddie Kenik, and also with the Don Slogar Orchestra,
which was the first time Slak melodies were recorded in
America. In 1970, Marie founded Circle #77, a SNPJ
children’s chorus, and was the only director the chorus
ever had, until it disbanded in 1999. She now sings with
the “Happy Timers,” a button box group
Marie’s father was an environmentalist before his time,
as he provided the family with electricity in the 1950’s
using nature. His first project was a windmill which
unfortunately blew away in a
storm, and so he then dammed a
nearby spring which produced
electricity when he opened the
dam and let the water pass
through
a
generator
(hydroelectric power).

by
Patricia
Marines, andBudzilek
when
his ship docked in
Trieste he often took
leave and traveled to
Gore to visit his family
there. In 1956, he met
Marie at a wedding,
and two and one- half
months later they
were married in Gore
at
St.
Mary
Magdalene Church,
after which they came
to America. Life was
difficult for Marie, at 18 years old, as she had no relatives
in Cleveland, knew little English, and lived in a neighborhood
with few Slovenians. She persevered and became the
mother of two children; a son, Frank, who has given her
three lovely grandchildren - Frank, Corinne, and Eric; and
a beloved daughter, Sonja, who is developmentally disabled.
She later worked for United Airlines in their kitchen and
then for six years in Washington, D.C. She traveled back
Marie with the potica she presented to
Presidential candidate, Bob Dole, and
Dole eating her potica.

Life in Yugoslavia was not easy
for a strong, Catholic family
during WWII and many family
members suffered. They lived
having little food and in constant
fear of the combatants, but
survived. As a small child Marie
and some of her siblings trembled
as they hid in a closet and
watched as the Partisans had a
gun pointed at their father’s head,
threatening to kill him.
Fortunately, they left without
harming him.
Marie’s future husband, Rudy
Pivik, was in the Merchant
16

Zarja The Dawn

and forth to Cleveland as part of
the domestic department which
was concerned with seeing that
United airplanes were always
clean, and supplied with the
essentials needed for passenger
comfort.
In 2001, Rudy and Marie
attended a military reunion in
Korea, where they did not find
out until the next day, September
12, that the twin towers had been
destroyed in New York City. It
was a very emotional time for
everyone as they sang “God
Bless America.” Their plane
coming home was ¾ empty!
Marie always worked hard in
her effort to bring togetherness
to the Slovenia people, and was
chosen “Slovenian Woman of the
Year” in 1980. She is a wonderful
cook, known for her crackling Marie presenting to Archbishop Rode of Ljubljana (now Cardinal) a bouquet of flowers
and round poticas. Marie has as she welcome him to Cleveland.
catered dinners for over 150 people, making almost the Travel has been an important part of Marie’s life as she
entire dinner by herself! When presidential candidate, Bob has visited Bangkok, Singapore, Guam, Hawaii, Korea,
Dole, came to Cleveland in 1996, Marie dressed in the Beijing, China, and Hong Kong, among other places. She
traditional Slovenian costume, and presented him with a loves to garden and has an award-winning yard filled with
piece of her potica. It was an event chronicled in many beautiful flowers, along with a large vegetable
newspapers, both in Cleveland, and on the front page of garden.
“Nadilo” in Ljubljana, Slovenia. When Archbishop Rode
from Ljubljana came to Cleveland for a visit, Marie was Marie is active in many Slovenian organizations, including
chosen to greet him on his arrival and present him with a SUA Branch 50 - Euclid, OH, SNPJ #257, KSKJ St. Vitus
bouquet of flowers.
#25, and Soca #26. She is truly a remarkable lady who
once again has shown the strength of the Slovenian woman.
Marie has visited Slovenia over 20 times and in 2005 sang
with Korotan in Maribor. In 1999, she was fortunate
enough to see Pope John Paul II when he visited there,
and she presented a lace-trimmed, 15m long (16.4 yd) altar
cloth for the altar at Maribor, which was then donated to
the Pope. Over 70 children from the Idrija region had
worked on the lace edging.

Tribute to Long Time Members
Note: Please notify me if you would like to suggest
a SUA/SWUA member to be profiled in this feature.
Remember - they must have been active for many
years, and are probably in their 80s.

My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com.
July/August 2013

Interesting picture from Marie’s archives - this
is not a tree. If you look closely you will see that
it is a person carrying a load of hay in Slovenia.
17

When In Slovenia...

by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk

In the next several issues, I will be sharing with you several of my experiences while
in Slovenia, April 14 - May 8, 2013: When In Slovenia; Wedding in Smlednik; Bobbin
Lace in Polhov Gradec; A Penpal in Portoroz; The Opera Singer.
An Overview:
When in Slovenia, recycle. It is a way of life in Slovenia.
In all neighborhoods are a row of bins with colored lids.
Yellow for plastic and aluminum, brown for compost, blue
for paper, and green for bottles. In cosmopolitan areas,
less functional appearing recycling containers, are ever
present.

Have you ever been in the check out line in the USA and
the clerk must look up a produce number? In Slovenia
YOU weigh the produce. Produce is identified with a
number and a cost per unit. You place your selection on
the scale and press the corresponding number. Out comes
a UPC sticker with weight and price.
Check out the produce section for motovelec. It is Mirjam
Hladnik’s favorite. When I mentioned that I could find no
translation, she brought out a poem which gave the clue,
lamb’s lettuce, corn salad, and rampion, among many
others.
Rampion
From: Red Under the Skin 1944, Natasha Saje

When in Slovenia, visit a grocery store. Cashiers sit; they
do not stand. Bring your own bags and be prepared to bag
your own groceries. Potica comes in many flavors! And
bread!

18

Let us praise this most polynomial
of plants: In English it’s lamb’s lettuce,
named perhaps for the delicate ear
or tonguelike leaves.
Imagine a small cat’s paw
or a spoon for demitasse.
We also call it corn salad,
growing, as it does protected
from the sun between stalks.
The French say máche
but also blanchette (little white)
clairette (little light)
doucette (little soft)

Zarja The Dawn

oreillete (little ear).
In Latin, it’s valerian,
akin to catnip, the bellflower
whose medicinal roots prevent spasms.
One pays dearly for this plant
because it’s hard to clean, demanding
a large tub of cool water and someone
to lift it slowly
many times, spurning
the grass and grains of sand.
But worth the trouble for its leaves smooth
as mayonnaise, colored
like clover, flavored of walnuts.
To some it’s salad, to others
it’s a fairy tale. The stuff
Rapunzel’s mother craved
and that the old witch grew and guarded.
The stuff an unborn child is bartered for.
It recalls the persistence of desire.
In the Brothers Grimm
fairy tale “Rapunzel,”
rampion is the bargaining
chip used; the newborn
daughter for a serving of
rampion.
Lamb’s lettuce had its
origins as a weed
growing among the cereal
crops in Europe. Its
spoon-shaped dark, waxy
leaves have a distinctive
flavor, its name comes
from a resemblance to the
size and shape of a lamb’s
tongue. It can be used
raw in salads or steamed
and served as a vegetable. I absolutely am in love with
motovelec! A motovelec Caesar salad in lieu of romaine?
Google: Lamb’s lettuce seeds for seed source. Google:
Lamb’s lettuce nutritional value. You will thank me!

Looking for eggs?
They are stacked on
grocery shelves; they
are not refrigerated.
Break an egg and view
a yolk so yellow/
orange! Eating an egg
will bring back
memories of what an
egg once tasted like.
Remember to cross
only in the designated
crosswalks, and only
when the signal allows.
Cycling is a means of
transportation for all
ages in Ljubljana. Bike lanes are designated; they can be
part of the pedestrian sidewalk or an entire separate lane.
They are well marked
for your protection,
and theirs! Cyclists
have the right of way,
so always beware.
It’s amazing to see
entire families cycling
to a destination, even
three year old
children, whose
ability to ride a
bicycle will match
any adult. Most
amazing - peddling
down the bike lane in
downtown Ljubljana
in high heels.
When in Slovenia, do
stop for coffee and a krofe at a self-service shop. Take a
seat and enjoy the passing foot traffic.

^evap~i~i is readily available.

July/August 2013

19

Calendar of Events
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2013
Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois, to host a Sarma and
Slovenian Rizoto Culinary Class at 9:00 a.m. in the
Slovenian Catholic Center kitchen. Cost is $20 per
person to attend. Contact pmavec@live.com or
815.729.9787 to register. Space is limited.

When in Slovenia, visit the Open Market. Do make it a
point to purchase a baggie of sauerkraut! A most delicious
snack with few calories; one of the best tasting sauerkraut
I have eaten! Note: kisla repa is sour turnip. Notice the
bottles of sauerkraut water on the left. Scenes such as
this will remain a vivid memory!
When in Slovenia, do visit a
cemetery. Carefully tended,
each plot becomes a grieving
canvas. Arrangements are
indeed creative expressions,
silent prayers of gratitude, for
lives once lived.
When in Slovenia, see
Slovenia via automobile. On
an expressway or on a single
lane country road, the
majestic landscapes, the purity
of nature; it goes on for
kilometers. Homes of brick
and stucco with Mediterranean style tile roofs, in nature’s
palette of colors, create uniformity throughout the country.
Villages nestled into the foothills appear as outcroppings
of nature. The iconic kozolec and hundreds of castles
abound the country. Thousands of churches in Baroque,
Gothic, and Romanesque styles rise up from as many
villages and hamlets. Roadside chapels appear as miniature
cathedrals along countryside roads. Even the nation’s
electric junction boxes are housed in traditional chapel style.
Add the all-predictable tolling of the church bells noting
the time of day. This audio counterpart amplifies what is
before one’s eyes. How to describe the scene? “Seeing is
believing.”
To je to,
Mary Lou

20

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
Branch 35 of Aurora, Minnesota, to host the Minnesota
State Convention. Coffee at 8:30 a.m., meeting at
9:00 a.m., Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by dinner and
program at noon. Everything will be held at Holy
Rosary Catholic Church.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013
Branch 108 of Olney, Maryland, to celebrate their
10th Anniversary at the Embassy of Slovenia in
Washington D.C. at 3:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013
Ohio Regional Convention – Mass at 10:30 a.m. at
St. Vitus followed by brunch at St. Vitus Village.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013
Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to host Wisconsin
Regional Convention.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013
Branch 47 of Garfield Heights, Ohio, to host a
Christmas Luncheon at the Valley View Community
Center at 12:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2013
Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to host a New
Year’s Eve Party and celebration of Spravanje
(Reconciliation) and Silverstrovanje (St. Sylvester’s
Day) from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin
Athletic Club. Contact Jan Gehm at 414.321.1413.

Zarja The Dawn

Slovenian
Union of America
Branch Reports
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Contact Information: Mary Ann Schellinger
920.457.7946 rhmas@yahoo.com
April was a very busy month for Branch 1. Mary Ann
Schellinger, our Branch President, was honored as Member
of the Year. Table decorations, door prizes, and the program
focused on the theme of butterflies – suggesting that we
should try to enjoy our lives rather than keeping too busy
and letting our lives pass us by. Mary Jo Grabner shared
some special photos from her 2012 visit to Slovenia. She
entitled her presentation “Can You Imagine?”
The highlight of the month was Family Festival – Slovenia.
It was a project in partnership with the John Michael Kohler
Art Center (JMKAC). The Art Center has been hosting
these cultural events since 2007, and this year’s festival
featuring Slovenia had the largest attendance (over 400).
Branch members worked on the project for over a year.
On display were various items: Idrija lace, Rogaska crystal,
memorial funeral
candles, painted
wooden plates,
beehive panels,
currency from
1996, and many
S l o v e n i a n
publications and
books about the
country. Mary
Turvey shared
information
regarding SUA
and the SWU
scholarship
program. Upon
entering
the
facility, “travelers”
were greeted by
Angie Fritz who Julie Kinney working on the potato salad.

July/August 2013

Mary Ann Schellinger & Angie Fritz.

donned a traditional costume. Passports were issued
and colorful stamps were put on the passports as
“travelers” participated in various activities. It was
great to see so many participating in the Slovene/
English concentration card game using numbers and
animals, making red tissue paper carnations, coloring
hard-boiled eggs using Slovenian patterns, and making
beehive panels. Dick Jelovnik, a local woodcarver,
talked about his carvings while displaying wood items
from Slovenia and also a crèche that he had made.
The crèche is a very typical sight on properties as
one travels throughout the smaller villages in Slovenia.
21

Animal card concentration game.
Katie & Jim Gorton.

Creche made
by Dick Jelovnik.

Beehive panels made by festival attendees.
Tom Virant.

Pauline Rupar and Mary Ann Schellinger.
22

Betty Repenshek, daughter Vicki Lindstrom,
and grandson Alec Lindstrom.

Zarja The Dawn

Aggie Gruenke and Tom and Shirley Vertacic did a potica
demonstration. “Standing room only” wasn’t even a close
description to indicate how many people were attending
this event. Mary Pat Ryan and Mary Ann Schellinger did
story telling in Slovene and English using a children’s book
about a gigantic hen (Kokos Velikanka). This book was
written by Desa Muck, one of the Slovenian authors who
had visited Sheboygan a few years ago. Entertainment
was provided by Branch 1 members Katie and Jim Gorton
and Branch 43 - Milwaukee members, Dolores Ivanchich
and Tony Gorenc. Music could be heard throughout the
day whether it was Tom Virant on the button box, Alec
Lindstrom on the piano, or traditional music in the
background from Slovenian CDs. Of course, no Slovenian
festival would be complete without the food. The week
before the event Branch members donned their aprons to
work with volunteers from the Art Center to put together
the feast which included: kranjse klobase, potato salad,
cucumber soup, cabbage, dumplings, flancati, vanilla ice
cream drizzled with pumpkin oil, and of course potica. Not
a crumb was to be found. Just as at the end of any
Slovenian celebration, people gathered to sing songs and
dance the polka while Mary Ann played the piano. We
were honored by the presence of a special guest, Pauline
Rupar, wearing her traditional Slovenian costume. At age
102, she is the oldest member of Branch 1. As people
came up to talk to her, you could see a gleam in her eye
and a smile on her face. She truly is an example of what it
is to be “proud to be Slovenian and let our heritage shine.”
BETTY REPENSHEK
BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado
Contact Information: amtcharron@yahoo.com
The regular monthly meeting was held on April 2, and
Barbara Greenwood was the hostess. A memorial service
was held for longtime member Dorothy Zakrasek who
passed away recently.
On May 6, the annual Mother’s Day luncheon was hosted
by Branch 3. At the celebration Norma Becco was
honored as our Member of the Year. Members brought
door prizes, so everyone left with a memento. President
Marge Cullen and Vice President Eileen Kaplan always
prepare an interesting game for our celebrations, and the
gems and flowers game associated with horoscopes was
challenging. Marie Mutz was the prize winner for the game
and won a beautiful bouquet of red carnations and baby’s
breath. Member Angela Mock brought as guests her
daughter, Michelle Meegan, and her precious infant
granddaughter, Natalie Meegan, making up a threegeneration group. Unfortunately, Angela’s mother, Mary
Gersick, was unable to attend and expand the group to
four generations. The recognition of mothers continued
on May 12, with breakfast after the 8:00 a.m. Mass hosted
by St. Mary’s Holy Name Society.

July/August 2013

Regular monthly meetings will be suspended over the
summer months, so the next Branch 3 meeting will be held
on Tuesday, October 1.
ANNETTE SABO CHARRON &
BARBARA KARLINGER
BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana
Greetings! We are in the swing with all the summer sports
- golf, t-ball, baseball, and of course, soccer! Wouldn’t it
be great if our new Indy soccer team ended up with a few
Slovenian soccer players on the team?
Mary, Karen, and I would like to thank all our members
who attended our SUA Member of the Year meeting and
dinner at the Slovenian National Home in May! Although
our meeting was very short, Jerry Watson was recognized
and received a small gift, which he assured us would be
spent at an Irish pub during his upcoming Ireland trip.
Jerry’s daughter, Kristina, is working a two-month job in
Ireland, so what a perfect opportunity to travel! Also that
night, member Martin Lambert was surprised when his
family all showed up to celebrate his birthday! A great
time was had by all!
We would like to thank all the members and their families
who came
down and
bought dinner
that night.
Mary, Karen,
and I had
great
fun
cooking and
serving our
wonderful
roast pork
dinner! All
the dinners
were served
with much
“love and
laughter,” and
maybe a joke
or two! We
sold over 50
dinners that
night, with the
profits going
toward the
National
Home. As
usual, my
favorites
were all the Junior member Jonathon Cline, son of
w o n d e r f u l Scott and Sara Cline, did a great job as
d e s s e r t s ring bearer for a May wedding.
23

donated by our
members! Chocolate
birthday cake, fresh
strawberry
cake,
peach-up-side-down
cake...oh
my
goodness, they were
awesome! HVALA
LEPA!
Congratulations go
out to our members
who were on the
women’s bowling
teams at the recent
KSKJ
National
Tournament held here
in Indianapolis! First
Place went to our 5member
team
consisting of Sheryl
Thorpe, Katie Poole,

best wishes to Elizabeth (Betty) Doherty who will
be 103 years old on August 16th. Betty has been a
past officer and a member for 65 years. Happy
Birthday, Betty, from Branch 13!
Have a great summer and we will look forward
to seeing you at the September meeting.
MOREEN SPENCER

BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois
Contact Information: 815.439.0062
patricia.schager@att.net
As we closed our year in May, Members of the
Year Dennis Cohil and Jim Lilek were honored
by the membership with a banquet and the
entertaining St. Joseph Academy singing chorus.
The “BOYS” have, over the years, helped in so
many ways, even when we were known as the
Slovenian Women’s Union. To our guys - a big
thank you from all your friends.
Also honored during the festivities was junior
member, Amy Koncar. Amy is a student of Joliet
Catholic Academy and was presented with a
$1,000 scholarship by the SWU Scholarship
Foundation. She was recently honored at a Joliet
Region Chamber of Commerce Top Students
Banquet as one of 25 top students from the
Academy.
Our Branch presented Hannah Singletary with
a $500 Continuing Education scholarship check.
Hannah is continuing her education and heading
towards her goal of working in the mental health
field.
The women bowlers who took first place. Betsy Walker and Anna Fon
The Branch bakery sale in March was a huge
designed their shirts, which were a major hit at the bowling alley!
success. Thanks to all who donated goodies and
cash; we are now $1,290.50 richer. And many,
Betsy Walker, Sara Cline, and Anna Fon. Katie Poole and many thanks to those who donated their time to help at the
Betsy Walker also took the doubles trophy home! It is sale. We couldn’t have done it without your smiling faces.
always great to see so many Slovenians together when
Kudos to long time member and friendly barber, Joe
the tournaments are here in Indy, and is always great fun! Babich. Joe and his Joliet shop are fondly known locally
KAREN, MARY & PHYLLIS as “Banana Joe.” He is hard at work as a Will County
board member, and was recently elected president of the
BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California
Will County Forest Preserve. Joe always has a great story
Summer in the San Francisco Bay Area is beautiful and to share and brings his barbering skills to residents at local
busy. The annual Member of the Year luncheon on May nursing homes.
5th was a wonderful success. Thank you to all of our
It is with sadness we announce the passing of member
members and friends for supporting our Branch. Our June John O’Blak, member Mildred Briski, and John, husband
“Welcome to Summer” hot dog picnic meeting was great of member Ardis Gregorash.
fun for all members who attended.
PATRICIA SCHAGER
Grandma Virginia Sustarich and Aunty Ann Sustarich are
so very proud of granddaughter Helen Sustarich. Helen
BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois
graduated from high school with a full scholarship to college. Contact Information: 815.223.9596 wprokup@aol.com
Congratulations, Helen!
In April we met at Starved Rock Family Fun for a Palincke
We want to wish a Happy Birthday to all of our summer demonstration by member Vicki Klein and her father, Art
birthday people. We especially want to honor and send Strohmaier. Art, age 86, made enough for everyone to have
24

Zarja The Dawn

a feast with all kinds of interesting toppings. Art spoke
about his Slovenian background and how he first learned
from his mother how to make this when he was nine years
old.
In May we attended our Annual Spring Luncheon at
Mario’s Maples. Our Junior Members and cousins, Josie
Brady and Barbi Prokup, were recognized for their
achievement. Josie is finishing up her first year at Aurora
University, where she is a nursing student. Barbi graduated
from St. Bede Academy and will attend St. Mary’s next

Barbi Prokup and Josie Brady.

year. Both girls talked about how important their Slovenian
heritage is to them. Barbi shared stories of her four visits
to Slovenia and Josie ended by saying she can’t wait to
travel to Slovenia with her mother and cousins. We gladly
said, YES!
Congratulations to Varsity Coach Bill Prokup, Asst. Coach
Donny Baldin, players Barbi Prokup and Julia Pohar for
their performance at State for softball. This is the first
time in the history of Saint Bede Academy for a girls team
to go to State.
BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota
Contact Information: 218.742.8049
johnks6@yahoo.com
Our branch is working on the Minnesota State Convention
we are hosting on September 15. The schedule, as of May
5th, is as follows: Coffee at 8:30 a.m., meeting at 9:00 a.m.,
Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by dinner and program at
noon. We hope to have a great turnout. Everything will be
at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. All Minnesota branches
will be receiving information, so keep the date open.
Get well wishes go out to Helen Simonich, a long time
member. We welcome back Alice Wilson, another long
time member and officer, who has returned to Aurora.

July/August 2013

Our Member of the Year dinner honored Bernice Ceglar.
It was held on Sunday, May 5. We all had a wonderful
time. Many relatives and friends of Bernice attended. The
excellent buffet was prepared by the Deluxe Cafe.
Rose Anttila returned from the Embassy of Slovenia Open
House held on May 11th in Washington, DC. Three of her
sisters joined her once again for the strudel demonstration.
Pictures and an article will be coming soon in Zarja.
MARLYS RABB
BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contact Information: Jan Gehm, President
414.321.1413 twogames@wi.rr.com
Many thanks to our member, Milly Mursec, for teaching
Slovenian 101, sponsored by the Slovenian Arts Program
of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She had a
class of very eager students and hopefully the free classes
will continue in October.
May 11, 2013, was a special day for Jan Gehm who is
our “Member of the Year.” Jan’s family was there to
celebrate as were many friends and SUA members.
Father Peter Ro`i~ was a special guest and gave the
invocation. He entertained by playing the accordion for
part of the sing- along, led by Tony Gorenc. Father Peter
resides in Santa Clara, California, and is the Jesuit Legacy
Research Scholar and Postdoctoral Fellow in the
Department of Political Science at Santa Clara University.
We extended a heartfelt “Thank You” to Father Peter for
being a part of this special day.
Congratulations to Father Jo`e Gole who is celebrating
70 years in the priesthood. Father was recently honored
by the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Holy Name Union at the
28th annual “Only Jesus” award Mass and banquet. The
combined Uspeh Chorus and St. John the Evangelist
Slovenian Choir were pleased to have been asked to sing
some Slovenian hymns.

Left to right: Rose Chepeck, Janice Gehm,
Jackie Smith, and Mici Bregant .

25

Mark your calendars for December 31, 2013. Our branch
will host a New Year’s Eve Party from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
at the Wisconsin Athletic Club on Highway 100 just north
of W. Lincoln Ave. We will celebrate Spravanje
(Reconciliation). This is a beautiful custom of Slovenes to
make all things right on the last day of the old year with
family and friends. We will also celebrate Silvestrovanje
(St. Sylvester Day). Slovenes celebrate on this day to honor
St. Sylvester, one of the few popes who became a saint.
Plans call for wishing everyone a Happy New Year at the
same time that Slovenes do in Slovenia. All details have
not been worked out, but watch for details in an upcoming
Zarja, or better yet - come to our next meeting. Best wishes
for a safe, relaxing, and happy summer.
MICI BREGANT
BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio
Contact Information: Olga Dorchak 330.468.7989
Greetings! What a wonderful turnout for our luncheon on
Saturday, May 4th. Fifteen members enjoyed the food and
friendship at Burntwood Tavern in Solon. It was wonderful
to have so many attending.
Our next meeting will be on Saturday, September 7th at 1
p.m. at Panera Bread in Solon. We hope many of you plan
to be there.
I will gladly share any of our members’ activities. Just
call me on my cell 330.730.8951 or e-mail me at
kjferrante@gmail.com and I will include it in the next
Branch report. Have a great summer!
KATHLEEN FERRANTE
BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio
Contact Information: 440.655.6735
ricktomsick@gmail.com
Greetings from the “5-0” on America’s North Coast,
Cleveland, Ohio. Mark Sunday, October 13, on your
calendar for this year’s Ohio Regional Convention.
Planning is underway for this special event that will begin
with a Slovenian Mass at St. Vitus Church at 10:30 a.m.,
followed by brunch (by Sophie’s Catering) at the St. Vitus
Village. Watch your mail for an announcement in August.
Please let me know if you are able to get involved in the
planning for this year’s convention.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, September 18, at
Euclid Public Library at 1:00 p.m.. We’re always interested
to hear from you whether the 1 o’clock time works for
you. Perhaps we can schedule future meetings on different
days or at times when more people can attend. I want to
again express my gratitude to Jo Wutchiett for the amazing
minutes she takes of our meetings!
At our April meeting, we celebrated birthdays for Pat
Budzilek, Josephine Wutchiett, and Mary Klemencic. We
welcomed our newest member, Lisa Mertel. Pat has been
composing biographies of several of our active, longer26

Left to right: Maureen Podlegar, Joe Tomsick,
Rose Mary Toth, and Pat Budzilek

serving members as part of a series to be printed in Zarja.
Her enthusiasm for genealogy and ancestral history is
catchy and we had a great chat recently about some of
our possibly mutual ancestors in Poland that she has been
researching.
I heard recently from Ray Stupar of Wickliffe, whose
wife Florence is a Branch 50 member and currently residing
at the Slovene Home for the Aged in Cleveland. I’m sure
Florence would appreciate hearing from many of you.
Prayers and best wishes continue to go out for Louise
Troglia and Ann Arhar. Remember to keep all of our
Branch 50 members, both living and deceased, in your daily
prayers.
We had a super turnout for our Mother’s Day luncheon
on May 15th at Dubrovnik Gardens. I came with my dad,
Ken Tomsick, and my brother and fellow member, Joe
Tomsick, who entertained us with his button box music.
Joe is the CEO of the Lake County Ohio Council on Aging.
It was great to see Alma Eppick, who is 98 years of age
and still driving, present at the luncheon!
Speaking of
Joey Tomsick
- Joey and his
wife, Lisa,
recently
welcomed a
new
son,
Ryan Joseph,
who
was
baptized by
Bishop Pevec
in May. Ryan
joins
his
sister, Faith,
in their home
in Concord,
Ohio.
Alma Eppick

Zarja The Dawn

It was also great to see Ivanka Matic, who is doing well
after her recent hospital stay. Her daughter, Vesna, a
Branch 50 member, was in town to visit for a few weeks
- all the way from Winslow, Arizona.
Maureen Podlogar reports that her grandson, John Jelinek
of Hilliard, Ohio, will be confirmed this week and will be
attending St. Charles School in Hilliard.
We are very proud to report that Madeline Darden,
granddaughter of our president, Rose Mary Toth, is
graduating from The Rochester Institute of Technology in
the Physician Assistant-Bachelor of Science degree
program with a concentration in Sociology and
Anthropology. Madeline was recently honored as RIT’s
Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar. The selection for this
prestigious award involves many criteria in addition to her
stellar academic success, including creative work, civic
activities, independent research, and her service on student
committees. Madeline joins in the steps of her older sister,
Jillian, a 2012 graduate of RIT, who is currently practicing
as a physician assistant in Rochester.
Our member, Johanna Tomsick, recently committed to
attend Boston College in the fall. Jo has been president of
her Beaumont School class and has been instrumental in a
number of extracurricular activities. She has earned highest
honors in three consecutive National Latin Exams, which
is a new record for Beaumont School students. Her artwork
has won many awards regionally and nationally. In addition
to all her accomplishments, Jo is an avid amateur
astronomer and photographer.
I want to remind you to check in often on SUA’s activities
by going to the website at www.slovenianunion.org . Bonnie
Prokup reminds me that SUA is always looking for
volunteers who like to write, do research, or submit
photographs. You can let her know at wprokup@aol.com.
RICK TOMSICK
BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois
Contact Information: Jim Ebner 815.883.3268
deadendbluff@yahoo.com
Nancy Henkel, Cynthia Carus, and Mitzi Banich provided
the delicious food of a traditional @egen meal for our
members at our April meeting.
Annabelle Bryant and Elizabeth Fox chaired the activities
of our closing dinner, Sunday, May 5, at beautiful Starved

July/August 2013

Rock Lodge Dining Room. Their exquisite brunch was
enjoyed by a great turn-out, topped off with their “to-diefor” endless dessert tables. Recent flooding had rendered
the lower parking lots unusable, causing all park visitors to
use the Lodge parking lot and roadways. True Slovenian
spirit prevailed; those fortunate to have a close parking
space offering rides to the less fortunate, and some hardy
souls choosing to make the long walks to their cars. Door
prizes of orchid plants were won by Trudy Argubright and
Rose Bell.
We will be taking a break before resuming our potluck in
September.
Until then, best wishes to all, especially those who are
far away! You are always in our thoughts!
JIM EBNER
BRANCH 93 - New York, New York
Contact Information: 718.335.8459
lgross@tstnyc.org
While members were happy to catch the Slovenian entry
at the Disappearing Act European Film Festival in New
York in April - it was Martin Turk’s “Feed Me With Your
Words” (Nahrani me z besedami) that had intrigued
viewers from Mumbai to Sao Paulo - what really had us
excited was the Slovene Conversation Class that was
coming to us via the Internet! Thanks to the Republic of
Slovenia’s office for Slovenians Abroad and Branch
members Tanya Vajk, Ria Whitmire, and Joan Walker we
had our pilot session in May with participants as
geographically diverse and distant as Florida, California,
Wyoming, and South Carolina joining a small group huddled
in Sunnyside, Queens! Our teacher, Maria Rode, located
in Los Altos, California, teaches a traditional Slovene
classroom-based course in San Francisco, but is a firm
believer that internet learning is the way of the future in
education and she is genuinely interested in exploring this
with us. We’ll have another session in June, and then go
full steam ahead in September.
If this is something you would be interested in trying,
please send an e-mail to vajkusa@aol.com and Tanya can
give you details.
ELIZABETH GROSS

Slovene conversation 2013-05-08. Photo credit: Bob Harley,
location is Cafe Marlene, Sunnyside, NY.
27

BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois
Contact Information: Jana Hlade jmhlade@hotmail.com
Happy 4th of July! Summer is in full swing and our branch
has some fun summer and fall activities planned. Here is
just a recap of the last few months - in March, the Pop
Jazz A Capella Group from Slovenia, Perpetuum Jazzile,

performed at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, IL. Many
of us attended and enjoyed the hip music and traditional
folk songs from this very talented group. Also in March,
we held a butara making and Slovenian egg decorating
demonstration. We had a great turn out for this fun class.
In April, we sadly had to cancel the Member Celebration
party and will inform you when and if this celebration will

be re-scheduled. In June, we held a strudel and struklji
class at the Slovenian Catholic Center (SCC). Thank you
to Paula Mavec for her culinary skills!
Come join us on July 28th up on the hill of the SCC for a
meet and greet and a Slovenian picnic! Festivities will begin
after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Then on August 31st at 9 a.m.
you can learn how to make Sarma and Slovenian Rizoto
in the SCC kitchen. Cost is $20 per person, which includes
all supplies, but space is limited. Contact Paula Mavec at
815.729.9787 or pmavec@live.com to register.
This fall, our branch is hosting our annual Bocce Ball
tournament and picnic on September 21 at 12 p.m. at the
home of Paula Mavec at 903 Cassie Dr., in Joliet. Bring a
dish to pass. Water and lemonade will be served – bring
any other beverages you would like. RSVP to Paula Mavec,
kids are welcome. Our 10th annual Bunco will be held on
28

October 27th from 2-5 p.m. Come have some fun and win
great prizes!
We have begun to plan the 2015 National Convention
and hope for the support of all our members. Watch future
Zarja issues for more details. Enjoy your summer!
JANA HLADE
BRANCH 100 - Southern California
Contact Information: Jean Koci ajkoci@cox.net
April brought many of our Branch members and friends
together twice this Spring. We especially enjoyed honoring
Marcia Leathers as our “Member of the Year” on April
13th. The day had a rocky start when we arrived at the
designated restaurant and found that they were not able
to open because of a flood in the kitchen. With heads
together and locals making recommendations, we quickly
found an alternate location that proved to be a very nice
solution to what might have been a disaster. We arrived at
the Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant and were welcomed
to their lovely banquet room and proceeded to have a lovely
afternoon.
Marcia and her brother, Larry, entertained us with music
from “Fiddler on the Roof” to prove that Marcia and her
family are finding traditions very important in their lives.
We were happy to have Marcia’s daughter, Desiree, her
son, Jesse, and his family in attendance, along with brother,
Larry. Marcia read her short biography with her usual
animation and it was fun and entertaining. Everyone
enjoyed the great food and service at the Lotus Garden
and we may go back for another event soon!
Another really nice gathering of some of our SUA
members and friends took place on Sunday April 21st. We
were honored with a visit from Father Peter Ro`i~, s.j.
who happened to be traveling through Orange County
during a trip to San Diego. He is a Post Doctoral Fellow at
Santa Clara University near San Jose, CA. He is also a
member of the SUA Branch 108 - Olney, Maryland, where

Marcia Leathers and her family at her
“Member of the Year” luncheon.

Zarja The Dawn

he joined while
attending Georgetown
University during the
past few years. Father
Peter had noticed the
article about Father
Joze Cukale, s.j. in
Zarja recently and
wanted to meet our
family, because he
had heard about this
missionary during his
studies in Slovenia.
He also was hoping to
Fr. Peter Ro`i~, s.j. with Jean Koci. meet some Southern
California Slovenes.
About 20 members of our family, Slovenes, and friends
from our church were able to come to our home where
we enjoyed a lovely afternoon. Father Peter, a young and
athletic Jesuit from Slovenia, spoke to us personally and
spiritually. We found him to be a very warm and friendly
person and we hope that we will have the opportunity to
meet with him again very soon. He truly enjoyed the
traditional Slovenian food, wine, and music by our local
accordionists. He even was able to take a borrowed
accordion “home” with him so that he can practice on it,
as he hasn’t had his own instrument with him for a long
time. Thanks to Fred Mlakar for his generosity! As is
usually the case, while talking with other Slovenes, we
find that we have mutual friends and acquaintances. This
was case with Father Peter. The more we talked, the more
we found that there are people and places that were familiar
to both of us. It is a small world!
JEAN KOCI
BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin
Contact: Karen Spires kleespires@comcast.net
Greetings from Willard! Anyone coming home for a
summer vacation? Greenwood’s Summerfest (formerly
Dairy Days) will be the weekend of July 13th. Hoping to
see many members in attendance.
Father Folmar, Pastor at Holy Family in Willard, retired
in June. His retirement brings changes to our small parish.
Willard, Greenwood, and neighboring Loyal now share a
priest to meet the needs of parishioners. We wish him a
peaceful retirement and a huge thank you for all he has
done for the Branch and its members.
Congratulations to everyone celebrating summer birthdays
and anniversaries. Junior member, Sandy Brierton,
celebrated her First Holy Communion in May.
After taking the busy summer months off, Branch
meetings start again on August 10th. Please come and
share the fun as we plan our fall meetings.
KAREN HRIBAR SPIRES

July/August 2013

BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland
Contact Information: Bernadette Fitzsimmons
Bettekfitz@verizon.net
Branch 108 members are delighted to be planning their
10th Anniversary Celebration on October 5, 2013, at 3:00
p.m., to be celebrated at The Embassy of Slovenia in
Washington, DC. Mark your calendars and join us for an
event you don’t want to miss in celebration of our milestone
year. We look forward to having many members of the

Washington, DC, Slovenian community and their guests
join us for the program, including a performance by the
Slovenian musical group, “Megaron,” in this central location
to both Maryland and Virginia.
A group of Branch 108 members recently met and
attended an embassy event and art exhibit; it was a pleasure
to mingle with guests, and as always to be treated to
delicious potica, strudel, and Slovenian wine.
We have bid farewell to our Spiritual Advisor, Father Peter
Ro`i~, Ph.D. following his graduation from Georgetown
University, and wish him God’s blessings in all his future
endeavors with Jesuit communities throughout the world.
A safe and happy summer to all our members and friends
until we meet again in September.
A Slovenian thought for this summer “Dobra misel – pol
zdravja” (A good thought - worth half of your health).
BERNADETTE K.
FITZSIMMONS

Branch President Bonnie Brierton
and her daughter, junior member
Sandy Brierton.

BRANCH 109 Twin Cities (TC) of
Minnesota
Contact Information:
Norm Setnicker
normas188@msn.com
In Minnesota we did
get the April showers
with the May “late
flowers” along with
more May “snow
showers.”
Can
summer be far
behind? It seems “far
behind!” Talking to
“moj bratranec” from
29

Festival of Nations

Special Recognition
To Tom Moren who painted
the “Easter Procession” child carrying butarica.
He copied from the original
Maxim Gaspari, the famous
Slovenian folk artist.
To Liz Miller who sewed
and designed the costume
on Sveti Miklavz.
To John Medved who
designed the shingled lit
soffet that gave our booth
such a finished look.
No other booth looked as
neatly done as ours.
30

Zarja The Dawn

Christine Medved and Miro Medved with Sveti Miklavz on
the right. Costume was sewn by Liz Miller.

July/August 2013

The Rich Samec family:
Rich, wife Jenna, Chloe and Maja joined by Tea Rozman
(right) and her two children: Isabella and Sofia.

31

Polhov Gradec, Slovenija, they are experiencing a late
spring as well.
The spring meetings of the TC Slovenians in March, April,
and May were all project orientated. Chuck Podominick’s
Slovenian genealogy workshop provided hands-on
experience in locating “sorodnike” roots in Slovenia via
the internet and the expertise of Jay Fonkert of the
Minnesota Genealogy Society. Rich Samec related a
personal genealogy story titled “Magic Moments” which
told in vivid detail how he came “connected” with a variety
of sorodnike.
Tea Rozman, our newest member and native Slovenian,
had the members construct paper bag masks depicting the
celebration of Kurentovanje - a rite of spring and fertility
which marks the beginning of Lent, along with a parade of
adults and children dressed in elaborate masks. The central
figure of the carnival, the Kurent, is believed to chase away
winter and with its supernatural powers usher in spring
(see picture of Festival of Nations Exhibit). Making these
masks and having them as part of our FON exhibit was a
good “Slovenian bonding experience.” Thanks, Tea, for
heading that project.
May marked the culmination of planning and participating
in the Festival of Nations - the largest project of the year.
The theme, “Children, our Past and Our Future” depicted
the Slovenian culture characterized by its language, its
cuisine, its music, and its traditions within their celebrations
and holidays. Children are an important part of these
traditions and celebrations as they carry the culture forward
into the next generation. Branch 109 printed 1,200 tri-fold
colored brochures which explained how we pass on the
Slovenian culture from one generation to the next. The
centerpiece of the exhibit was an original painting by Tom
Moren of Maxim Gaspari’s (Slovenian folk artist) Childled Easter Procession. John Medved designed a shingled,
lighted soffit that gave our exhibit space a real finished
look and a touch of good Slovenian workmanship. The TC
Slovenians would like to thank the co-chairs - Sue
Rademacher and Mike Koski - for the many hours they
devoted to organizing and planning for the Slovenian
exhibit.
With summer approaching - slowly - the Branch 109
Board is evaluating and recording meeting topics for next
year - starting in September. In addition to singing the
Slovenian version of Happy Birthday at our monthly
meetings, we raffled off two bottles of Slovenian wine.
This has proven to be a popular part of our meetings and
will continue next September. Plans are in the works to
sell Slovenian calendars using pictures taken by members
who have recently visited Slovenia. This project is being
headed by Rich Pisa. John Skubiz is working on designing
Slovenian “placemats” again from members’ pictures. Tea
Rozman has mentioned the possibility of a “Narodna nosa”
workshop (Slovenian regional costumes) along with making
“butare” during Lenten season. We look forward to another
32

exciting year in Branch 109 - Twin Cities Slovenians. “dr`i
smehlaj se” - Keep smiling.
NORM SETNICKER
“Born in USA with Slovenian Parts”

WANT TO GET
MORE INVOLVED?
Looking for volunteers who
love their heritage.
We need help in our Museum
in Joliet, Illinois, with
scanning, sorting, cleaning,
and creating exhibits.

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Zarja - The Dawn Writers

Zarja The Dawn

Our Readers Revisit
Civilian Conservation Corps Experiences
David Sodac’s article, “Going Back Home to Camp Wilark: A Civilian Conservation Corps Story,” encouraged readers to
respond with their own memories and recollections of family members who had experienced the CCC in the 1930’s. The article
appeared in the 2013 March/April Volume 85 Issue of Zarja. Several members and readers did either e-mail or mail their stories.
Theresa Marolt Wargo, of Lyndhurst, OH writes…
“Two of my older brothers enlisted in the CCC and served in
Minnesota. They were John and Matt Marolt. My parents, Matt
and Frances Marolt, were Slovenian immigrants who settled in
Gilbert, Minnesota, a small town in the northern part of the state.
They raised a family of 16 in Gilbert. John Marolt was assigned
to a camp in Nevis, MN, while Matt Marolt ventured to his
destination in Isabella, MN. On their occasional visits home, they
would tell us about their work experiences. Being one of the
youngest family members at home during those times, I don’t
recall many of the details. However, because the CCC fostered
preservation and conservation, they did describe the projects that
they worked on, which included planting trees, clearing underbrush
from wooded areas, and fighting forest fires. In closing, I want to
William Conway of Bettendorf, IA writes…
“Dad’s name was George Conway. He had lived in Dexter, IA. thank you for your most interesting article; it brought back many
He was in his early 30s when he went into the CCC. I don’t fond memories.”
recall the exact projects he worked on, but I suspect he didn’t
stay long enough in the organization to complete much of anything. A satisfying epilogue to the original story is a letter received from
It’s important to realize that he had already experienced a great Alan Maul, the Coordinator of the Oregon Forest History Center,
deal of rules and regimentation as an 18 year old in the military. under the Department of Forestry. Alan had wanted to share
Then as a WWI veteran, at age 32, he wasn’t willing to endure photos of the finished CCC display that now contained the artifacts
the restrictive rules of the CCC. I remember him mentioning that and memorabilia of Matthew Sodac, on whose experience the
he didn’t realize it was going to be run like the army when he original Zarja story was written. “Matt’s spirit truly did return
initially joined. However, since unemployed Veterans were readily ‘home’ to Oregon’s Camp Wilark as the title of the story had
being accepted into the CCC, he enlisted. Men with military hoped.”
experience were expected to
be role-models for the
younger enlistees. Perhaps
dad was more willing to put
up with rules at age 18 in the
military than at age 32 in the
CCC. Sorry I don’t have
more, but I don’t think he
participated in it long enough
to leave much of an impact on
his life.”
Barbara Bray Bruch of Granville, IL writes…
“My Dad, Robert Bray, wasn’t a Slovenian but was married to
one, my Mom. Robert Bray also experienced life in the CCC.
He was stationed at Starved Rock State Park and later in southern
IIlinois. My father’s father was dying from cancer in 1936 when
my Dad was in CCC and the $25 he sent home was used in part
to buy morphine for the pain he was experiencing. I remember
well, my Grandma Bray telling me that story and how hard life
was during the Depression. There is a CCC Museum at Iron
World in Hibbing, MN, that I once visited several years ago that
was quite interesting. Your article has really motivated me to learn
more about his CCC experience!”

Miro
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“^estitke”Gospod
GospodMiro
MiroMedved!
Medved!
members
membersofofthe
theTwin
TwinCities
CitiesSlovenians,
Slovenians,along
alongwith
with
dignitaries
dignitariesfrom
fromMinnesota,
Minnesota,Miro’s
Miro’sappointment
appointmentmarked
marked
aamilestone
milestoneininthe
thegrowth
growthofofthe
theSlovenian
Sloveniancommunity
communityinin
the
theTwin
TwinCities.
Cities.
The
Themayor
mayorofofRoseville,
Roseville,Dan
DanRoe,
Roe,welcomed
welcomedthe
theguests
guests
and
andproceeded
proceededtotopoint
pointout
outhow
howproud
proudthe
thecommunity
communitywas
was
ininhaving
havingthe
thecountry
countryofofSlovenia
Sloveniarepresented
representedby
byMr.
Mr.
Medved
Medvedand
andthe
theTwin
TwinCities
CitiesSlovenians.
Slovenians.Following
Followinghis
his
remarks,
remarks,Mr.
Mr.Dean
DeanJilek,
Jilek,director
directorofofthe
theRoseville
RosevilleHigh
High
School
SchoolChoir,
Choir,“Good
“GoodPellas,”
Pellas,”sang
sangaabeautiful
beautifulrendition
rendition
ofofthe
theSlovenian
Sloveniannational
nationalanthem
anthemininSlovenian.
Slovenian.Their
Their
pronunciation
pronunciationand
anddiction
dictionwere
wereimpeccable.
impeccable.
AAlittle
littlelocal
local“flavor”
“flavor”was
wasadded
addedby
byMr.
Mr.Lenny
LennyRusso,
Russo,
Executive
ExecutiveChef
Chefand
andProprietor
Proprietorofofthe
theHeartland
HeartlandRestaurant
Restaurant

Mayor
MayorDan
DanRoe,
Roe,Ambassador
Ambassadorofofthe
theRepublic
RepublicofofSlovenia,
Slovenia,Roman
Roman
Kirn,
Kirn,and
andSlovenian
SlovenianConsulate
ConsulateininMinnesota,
Minnesota,Miro
MiroMedved.
Medved.