The Colfax County Press and the Clarkson Herald Consolidated/Father Petlach dies at 81 years

by anonymous

FATHER PETLACH DIES AT 81 YEARS

Will Be Buried in Clarkson

Early Saturday morning, Rev. Father Kubesh of the local Catholic parish received word that Father C. Z. Petlach, former local priest, died at the St. Bernard home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 81 years. He was a patient there for some time.

The deceased was born, Jan. 2, 1872, in the village of Blansko, in Moravia. He received his schooling in his native land and in 1895 was ordained as Catholic priest, and three years later he came to America. His first pastorate was given him in Kearney, where he served until Dec. 1901.

In 1902, Father Petlach was assigned to the parish at Verdigre and it was under his pastorate that a new church was built in Verdigre, which was dedicated to its cause in Oct. 1916.

May 30, 1920, he was transferred to St. John’s church in Howells, and on August 21st, 1921, Rev. Petlach was named pastor of SS. Cyril & Methodius church of this city, and served faithfully in that capacity until July, 1946, when ill health forced him to give up his work among his people. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Clement C. Kubesh, who in the short time he has been pastor, has made the the impact of his labors and personality felt in both the church and community affairs.—Rev. Petlach served as pastor 58 years.

Rev. Petlach was everybody’s friend and he never let religion interfer with his friends of different faith, or non-church goers. He was well educated and broad-minded—and we find his succesor Rev. C. C. Kubesh possess the same sterling characteristics.

Father Petlach was a historian and he knew the map of the world better than many other historians and travelers. On a few occasions we had the privilege to sit with Father Petlach and in discussing the European situation, he was able at once to point out any city or state on the map. He was not a talker, but a great thinker.

Funeral Services in Clarkson

The remains of Father Petlach will be brought to Clarkson and funeral services will be held Wednesday forenoon, at 10:30, at SS. Cyril & Methodius church, with Archbishop Gerald T. Bergen in charge. He will have the assistance of Rev. C. C. Kubesh and all priests from neighboring parishes. Burial will be in the local Catholic cemetery, which was the wish of the deceased.

Business Suspended in Clarkson

All business houses in Clarkson will be closed, in respect to Rev. Petlach from 10 o’clock a. m. until the services are over. Elsewhere in this issue is the official proclamation by the officers of the Clarkson Commercial club.