Emma Hrstka
A funeral liturgy for Emma R. Hrstka, 98, of Tama, was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2000, from St. Patricks Catholic Church in Tama. The Rev. Keith Birch officiated. Interment was at Holy Trinity Cemetery, rural Toledo. She died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000, at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama of natural causes.
Emma Hrstka was born Dec. 24, 1901 in Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Otto Kubalek. She received her education near her home. In 1921 she came to the United States. On Jan. 4, 1922, at Holy Trinity she was united in marriage to Edward Hrstka of Elberon. The couple farmed near York Township until 1940 when they moved to Vining, IA, where they lived for 19 years. In 1959 they moved to Tama.
She was a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church and CCW.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Edward in 1966, two sons, Arthur and Paul; a grandson, K.C.; two great-granddaughters, Tara and Jennifer; two sons-in-law, Emil Yilek in 1999 and Robert OConnor in 1991.
Surviving are five daughters, Helen Herink (and husband, Ludwig) of Tama, Mildred Benda (and husband, Milo) of Traer, Lucille Yilek of Belle Plaine, Eva Kasal (and husband,Kenneth) of Chelsea, and Martha OConnor of Tama; three half sisters, Blanche Messinger of Tama, Rose Musgraves of Jackson, Mo., and Mildred Schmidt of Titonka, Ia.; 23 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Hand Funeral Home-Tama-Toledo was in charge of arrangements. [Traer Star-Clipper; 21 December 2000]