Bernard Horinek

Bernard J. Horinek, (B.J.), 101 years, 1 month, and 1 day, of Atwood, died Tuesday April 22, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Center in Atwood. He was born March 21, 1913 to Rudolph and Agnes (Janousek) Horinek. He married Martha Holub on August 11, 1935. They were married 65 years and 4 days before Martha passed away on August 14, 2001. He was known for helping his beloved Martha with many quilting projects and helping her make Kolache. He and Martha spoke and read Bohemian until just before their first two children started school. Bernard was a lifelong resident of Rawlins County, farming for most of his life. He was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Associates, (Formerly the Catholic Workmen) Branch WO 74. In 1996 he was named Fraternalist of the Year. He enjoyed baseball and softball as he was the umpire for the summer softball games at St. Cyril’s and Methodius Church for 16 years. He enjoyed working with wood and glue making many children’s rocking chairs, toy chests and many other items. One of his projects was making replicas of the Rawlins County Court House and his farm home from flat toothpicks, (which are displayed at the Rawlins County Historical Society Museum). He loved farming and ranching, being a good steward and received the Good Stewardship Award from the Diocese of Salina. He also was one of the first volunteer to help his neighbors and others in need. He saw many changes throughout his lifetime, from grading roads with a horse drown grader to space travel. He was present through WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the latest U.S. involvement in the Middle East. He has a great outlook on life and took life as it came trusting in the Lord all the way. His Catholic faith was his strong hold in his long life.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Martha; six brothers and their wives, Rudolph and Alice, James and Helen, Frank and Martha, Steve and Frances, Lew and Antoinette and Edward; one sister, Elizabeth and husband Frank Klocke, Brother-in-law, Henry Souchek.

Survivors include nine children, Bernard A. (Marilyn) Horinek, of Atwood, Caroline (Richard) Flanagan, of Milliken, CO, Barbara (Kenneth) Stelloh, of Trenton, NE, Marlene (Rick) Malicky, of New Cambria, PA, Linda ( Kenneth) Brungardt, of McPherson, Verjean (Angus) Garey, of McCook, NE, Diane (Steven) Long, of Broomfield, CO, Sharon (Dale) Vest, of Denver, CO and James (Norma) Horinek, of Pilsen; 42 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren and 22 great great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 4-7:00pm, Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood with Vigil service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am, Friday, April 25, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to Good Samaritan Society and Rawlins County Health Center, Both of Atwood in care of Baalmann Mortuary 109 N 2nd, Atwood KS 67730. Online Condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com