Obituary of Carl Dvorak

Carl Joseph Dvorak, a long time resident of Burlington, passed away at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital, Saturday, November 30, 2013. He was 94 years old. Carl was born in Spearville, KS, September 30, 1919 to Joseph and Lydia (Parthe) Dvorak. Carl had an older sister Esther Marie and younger brother, Derrol Richard, still living in Dodge City, KS. Carl attended a country school 1st through 8th grade, near his home, he attended high school in Spearville, attended 2 years at Wichita State and graduated from Ft. Hays University with a teaching degree. Carl taught in that same country school that he attended as a child, for one year. He met Helen Geraldine Stein at a dance; this was the beginning of a beautiful love story. Just two weeks after they became engaged, Carl was planning his second year of teaching, when he was drafted into the Army, having to report to serve active duty in WWII. Carl and Gerry were married in Victoria, Texas, July 20, 1942 where he was stationed. Carl James was born, July 22, 1943 in Victoria, where the three of them lived until Carl was sent to the Philippines. Shortly after, a second child, Diane Marie, was born in Dodge City, KS. After the war, Carl, Gerry, Jimmy and Diane (Dee) moved to Burlington, CO, where they operated a dairy, farmed and ranched. A third child, Norbert Joseph, was born. Carl was active in many organizations, always a leader in them all. Carl was a dedicated member of the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church serving on the Church Council, new building fund, and District Deputy and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Carl served many years on the board at Dynamic Dimensions, received recognition in the Soil Conservation and High 10 Sugar Beet Programs. As a young father, Carl was very involved in 4-H and served as leader for many years, helping in agriculture and cattle projects. Carl was very involved and active in farming with his sons until multiple “accidents” convinced him he needed to retire in his late 80’s. Survivors to Carl is his beloved and faithful wife, Helen, his children, Jim (Darlene), Dee (Tom), and Norbert (Betsy), all of Burlington, CO. Grandchildren, Todd (Audra) Schlosser, Burlington, CO, Diann (Cully) Holmes, Castle Rock, CO, Paula (John)Wilson, Knoxville, TN, Kristin (Brett) Petersen, McKinney, TX, Jennifer (Sean), Watkins, CO, Cary (Heather), Burlington, CO, Rachel (Phillip), Draper, UT, Caroline (Cody), Rock Springs, WY, Kimberly, Kenai, AK, Molly (Devin) Leabo, Williamsburg, VA. Great Grandchildren are Mackenzie and Heath Petersen, Cameron, Wesley and Sierra Holmes, Briar Schlosser, Chase Wilson, Claire and James Martin, Charlie Gleason, Colton Schlosser and Carte Pierpoint. A special friend, Jason Pankowski and daughter, Kayla. Preceded in death are Carl’s parents, his sister Esther, and one granddaughter, Alana Leigh Dvorak. Carl was truly a good man, a hard worker, a perfect role model to all his family, patriotic, very honorable, intensely gentle and kind. Carl’s great sense of humor kept us laughing. His social abilities made anyone he met an immediate friend, carrying on long conversations. He was interested in every ones story and loved being involved in any good cause. He will be gravely missed, and he will forever leave an empty place in our hearts and homes.