JOSEF ROUSAR

I bring you sad news that death has chosen as a sacrifice brother Josef Rousar, Sr., who died January 8, 1937 at the age of 64.  He was born September 14, 1872 in Svratouch, in the Chrudim region of Bohemia and was buried January 12 in the Czech Cemetery in Drywood, Town of Arthur.

At the age of three he came with his parents to America and on to Quarry, Iowa where he graduated from public school.  He then worked and helped out wherever he could.  At the age of 20 he moved with his parents to a farm which they rented and operated together.  In 1902 he married Miss Emma Koskuba and a year after that both families came here to Cadott, Wisconsin to their present farm.  At that time it was forest land which they had purchased two years previously.  Like many others they suffered the travails of the first pioneers, clearing the wilderness.  Through their hard work and perseverance they built a beautiful farm which Josef and Emma, first with his parents and later with their sons, operated.  But it was not given to him to live out his twilight years because a deadly influenza untimely ended his active live.  Brother Josef Rousar died as he lived; quietly and peacefully.  Perhaps even death recognized his praiseworthy life.

He leaves behind his wife, out sister Emma Rousar; four sons: Fred, William, Joseph Jr., and Theodore; two daughters: Mrs. Albert Nesvacil and Emma; a sister, Mrs. Frank Naiberg; and seven grandsons.

Brother Josef Rousar joined our Lodge as a charter member on May 17, 1904 and continuously served in various offices.  He served as the first secretary one year, after which he was elected president for several years and again was elected secretary, in which office he served until his death.  He was then elected the Lodge treasurer, in which office he served until his death.  Even at our December meeting he was present and was reelected treasurer; it was observed that he would serve in this office until his death.  No one could imagine that his death was so near.  In all the offices entrusted to him he served honestly and fairly.  He was always willing to work on any committee when it was necessary.

As he served in the life of our Lodge, so he served in public offices.  He served three terms on the town board and for about twenty years was the school board treasurer, to the satisfaction of all the citizens.

The funeral was held on January 12, 1937 at the house of death, where words of comfort were spoken by President William Buresh.  From his home a large procession of our Lodge brothers and sisters and other friends proceeded to the Czech National Cemetery.  To his survivors we express our deepest sympathy and to the departed a peaceful sleep. – For Lodge Bratri Novych Hradu No. 141, in Cadott, Wis., Anton Kvapil, Secretary