Vera Kacirek

Vera (Harper) Kacirek was born on February 13, 1922 at the farm home in Northwest Rawlins County. She was the youngest daughter of Elmer C. Harper and Bessie (Hatch) Harper. In 1930 the family moved to Benkelman, NE where Vera attended grade and high school, graduating with the class of 1939. She attended Hastings College, acquiring a teaching degree. After teaching one year at Sumner, NE she taught 5th grade in Benkelman. On January 15, 1945 she married Laddie Kacirek at St. John’s Catholic Church in Beardsley. They made their home on a farm north of McDonald. In 1959 they moved to a new home built by Laddie and his father, Theo Kacirek.

Three children came to make a complete family. They were Douglas Linn, Linda Susan and David Kevin.
Vera continued her love of working with children by being a 4-H leader for 21 years, and taught a 2nd grade catechism class at St. Joseph’s Church in Bird City. After raising her own children, her joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Bird City, St. Joseph’s Altar Society and McDonald Area Development. Through her love of gardening she joined Ks. Associated Garden Club in 1961. She served as president of the McDonald Garden Club as well as holding District, State and Regional offices. For many years Vera and Laddie enjoyed traveling to polka dances with the Sunflower Polka Club.

Vera & Laddie moved to Prairie Plaza Retirement Center in Atwood, Ks in 2008. There they continued to make new friends and supported the community. In April 2011 Vera and Laddie moved to the Oberlin Good Samaritan. There Vera was loved by her caregivers and received wonderful care. Many looked forward to seeing her beautiful smile each day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & Bessie Harper; her husband’s parents Theo & Josie Kacirek, who she loved dearly; one son Douglas Kacirek, and 2 sisters Velma Mayfield and Leola Jakel, and her loving husband Laddie of 66 years.

She is survived by her daughter Susie Sabatka & husband RJ; son, David Kacirek & wife Becky; four granddaughters, three grandsons and 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Phyllis Wilkinson and husband Kenneth, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation will be 2-7:00p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Vigil service will be at 6:00p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:00a.m., Friday, March 7, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to Good Samaritan Society Decatur County in care of Baalmann Mortuary, 109 N 2nd St, Atwood KS 67730. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com