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Blairstown Press; Feb. 16, 1923
Harry Pleshak Is Dead
Harry Pleshek
C. A. Black is in receipt of a message stating that Harry Pleshak had passed away at his home in El Paso, Texas and the body at this writing is being shipped to the home of his father at Ames, Iowa, accompanied by his wife and sister, Mrs. Pleshek and Miss Tillie Pleshek. It is not known at this time when or where the funeral services will be he held.
Harry was one of the promising boys who grew to manhood here and always took a large part in the activity of the young people. After returning from the service, tuberculosis developed and he spent a number of months at Oak Dale and a year and a half ago he left for Texas for the benefit of this health. His untimely death is deplored by this many friends here.
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Blairstown Press; March 2, 1923
Harry Pleshek Passes Away
Harry Pleshek
Veteran of World War Died at El Paso, Texas
Harry A. Pleshak was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on February 26, 1898 and passed from this life at El Paso, Texas, February 10, 1923. On December 2, 1922 he was united in Marriage to Naomi B. Whitmire, who remains to mourn his departure.
Besides the wife hie is survived by his father and step mother, his mother preceding him in death four years ago, while the family resided in Blairstown, five sisters, Vlasta, Tillie, Emma, Blanch and Edith at home, four brothers, William and Joseph of Ames, Edward of Cedar Rapids and Arthur of Marshalltown.
At the age of four years his parents moved to Blairstown where Harry spent his childhood and was educated. He then became affiliated with the Denniston & Partridge Lumber Company under Mr. C. A. Black's supervision. Later he was transferred to Tully, Iowa, where he became manager of a yard for the same firm. While here he joined the Presbyterian Church.
On June 14, 1918 he joined the 41sth battery of the 5th Anti-Air Craft and went overseas in July of the same year.
After his discharge from active service on January 25, 1919, he took up hi work with the same company, but the effects of the war soon became evident and he went to Fort Bayard, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas where he waged an unsuccessful fight. His patience in suffering and courage in the face of death endeared him to those who were about him during that time. His passing reminds us of the toll the war exacted and still exacts of those who went forth to its service.
. The remains were brought to his home at 212 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa by his wife and sister, Tillie, where services were held Saturday morning, February 17, 1923 and later taken to Des MOines for cremation. Rev. L. M. Boozer of the Presbyterian Church and Ames Post No. 37 of the American Legion had charge of the services.
The Press wishes to add a few words to the above. They are: That few young men spending their boyhood in a locality are so well spoken of by all whose privilege it was to know him. Harry was essentially a self-made man and would have gone far in the business world if he had been spared. The Press and many friends extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife and family.
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Blairstown Press; July 11, 1919
Brave Mother Called Home
Mary Emma Pleshek
Mrs. Joseph Pleshek Laid To Rest in Fraternal Bohemian Cemetery At Cedar Rapids
Mary Emma Blaha, daughter of Micheal and Anna Blaha, was born in Kresetice, Bohemia, February 4, 1872 and passed away at her home here June 29, 1919, age 40 years, 5 months and 25 days.
She came to America in the fall of 1889, at the age of 16 years, with her aunt, Mrs. Kathryn Klaha and located at Cedar Rapids, making her home with her cousin, Louis Blaha.
On March 3, 1891, she was united in marriage with Joseph Pleshek in Cedar Rapids and to this union ten children were born, five girls and five boys, all of whom reside at home the eldest being 27 years of age and the youngest 7 years of age.
They are Edward, Tillie, Harry, Vlasta, William, Emma, Arthur, Joseph, Blanch and Edith.
Mrs. Pleshek had a large place in the hearts of her family and friends. She was a home woman, but those who came in contact with her knew her worth.
Her husband’s work calling him away from home most of the time, it remained for the mother to look after and rear the little brood alone, and her worth attests. She must have been a wonderful mother.
About three years ago her health began to fail but she would not give up until the past few months, when the heroic spirit was compelled to bow to the inevitable.
Miss Vlasta who held a responsible position as operator at Camp Dodge voluntarily gave up her work to nurse her mother back to health, but it was of no avail.
During the time of ill health, she saw her boys, one by one, enlist to follow the colors. First the eldest boy Ed, enlisted in the Navy, then Harry tried to enlist but was rejected but later accepted, then Will, just 18 years old went to the S. A. T. C. With a brave heart she bade them go to serve the country of her adoption, and was proud indeed of the three service stars in her window.
She was however permitted to see all her children before her death as the last to return was Edward, who arrived home on Friday before her death.
On July 1st a short service was held at the house, conducted by Rev. A. J. Meierhoff, of the Presbyterian church. The body was taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. Wencil Vandra, where the funeral services were held, conducted by Joseph Hayek, of the Z. C. B. J. lodge, of which she was a member. The burial taking place in the Fraternal Bohemian cemetery at Cedar Rapids.
The pall bearers were Chas. Reike, Sant Herl, D. J. Harden and W. J. Hoebel.
Besides her family, the deceased leaves three sisters and one brother, Mrs. W. Vandra, Mrs. Joseph Vandra, Joseph Blaha of Cedar Rapids and Mrs. Antoinette Stolba still in the old home in Bohemia.
Mrs. Chas. Preshek of Star Center, a niece, attended the funeral.
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