Elberta M. Pekarek

Elberta M. Pekarek, 97 of Topeka, formerly of Zurich, Kansas, and Wilber, NE., died February 24, 2014 at the Topeka Adult Care Center, Topeka, Kansas. She was born May 14, 1916 on a farm northeast of Zurich, KS the youngest daughter of James Vaelav and Bessie (Slansky) Bartos. Elberta graduated from Plainville High School, Plainville, KS, in 1935. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Zurich and a presently Mater Dei (Holy Name) Catholic Parish, Topeka, Ks. She was a lifetime Gold Star member of the VFW Auxiliary Post No. 8871, Plainville, KS, and a former member of the WFLA (ZCBJ) Lodge, Timken, KS. She worked in a drug store in Wilber, NE and was a homemaker and caregiver. She had a great love of Czech music and Polka Waltzes. Elberta was a first generation Czech American. Elberta married Frank Pekarek on August 30, 1940 at the Saline County Court House in Wilber, NE. Her husband Private Frank Pekarek (KIA, WWII) preceded her in death October 9, 1944. She was also predeceased by her parents, four sisters, Bessie Rostocil, Ogla Brison, Alice Beck, Blanche Tichy and three brothers, Clarence, Herman and Harry Bartos. Survivors include one son, Larry F. (Eileen) Pekarek of Topeka; four grandchildren, Michael of Topeka, Marsha (Mike) Furman of Alma, KS, Laura (Leo) Perron of Topeka and Mary (Dave) Goodwin of Overland Park, KS, and ten great grandchildren, Jesse, Amanda, Lindsey, Josh, Joseph, Alex and Isabella Perron and Nicholas, Aaron and Henry Goodwin. She will lie in state from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Graveside service 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Wilber Czech Cemetery, Wilber, NE. Memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Parish for masses or to the Alzheimer's Association sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.