Evelyn Dvorak
Evelyn Dvorak, 99, of St. Paul, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Matelyn Retirement Community in St. Paul, surrounded by her family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Reverends Vince Parsons and Alex Borzych concelebrated the Mass and were assisted by Deacon Phil Lukasiewicz.
Erik Zlomke was the lector.
Pat Knutson and Dianne Rice were the Eucharistic ministers.
Ashley Spotanski and Michaela Jackson were the gift bearers.
Julie Dush was the musician.
Selections included “Blue Skirt Waltz” recorded by Alvin Dvorak, “Shepherd Me, O God,” “One Day At A Time,” “Gift of Finest Wheat,” “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” and “Chimney Sweep Polka” recorded by Alvin Dvorak.
Casketbearers included Erik Zlomke, Kurt Zlomke, Kevin Zlomke, Brian Dvorak, Christopher Dvorak, Adam Dvorak, Derek Dvorak, Matthew Dvorak, and Rylan Dvorak.
Burial followed in Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.
Evelyn was born June 12, 1927, on the family farm near St. Paul, the daughter of Anton and Rosie (Novotny) Blaha.
She was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, where she was baptized and remained the oldest continual member of the parish. Her faith was an important part of her life, as was her devotion to her family and community.
Evelyn attended District 13 rural school and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1944. Following graduation, she helped on the family farm for a year during the war years before going to work at the local Gambles Store. It was there that she met her future husband, Alvin Dvorak. The couple married in 1947 and were blessed with five children. Evelyn worked alongside Alvin on their farm and, once their children were in school, returned to Gambles to work part time.
Family was at the heart of Evelyn’s life. She treasured gatherings for birthdays and holidays, with Christmas being especially meaningful. She loved exchanging gifts and sending and receiving cards. For many years, she faithfully sent birthday cards to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She continued this tradition until she was ninety-seven. Receiving a card from “Mom” or “Grandma” is a special memory her family will cherish forever.
Evelyn had a lifelong love of the outdoors and gardening. She always had a large garden and found a place for flowers wherever she could plant them. Even into her late nineties, she could often be found outside weeding and caring for her flowers. Her home was filled with beautiful flowers that seemed to bloom especially well for her.
She also enjoyed crafts, particularly cross-stitch, until declining eyesight made it difficult. Evelyn had a special fondness for John Deere memorabilia, and the walls of her utility room were covered with her collection of tractors, pictures, cups, glasses, and anything else bearing the familiar John Deere name.
Music and dancing brought Evelyn great joy. She especially loved polkas and waltzes. In her younger years, she and Alvin rarely missed a dance. After Alvin’s death in 1980, Evelyn continued to attend dances, not only to listen to the music, but also to enjoy a few dances with friends.
Evelyn was deeply committed to serving her church and community. She was active in the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of America, serving as an officer and on numerous committees.
In 1949, Evelyn joined the American Legion Auxiliary and remained an active member of Unit 119 for seventy-seven years. Throughout those years, she held numerous offices and leadership positions at the local, district, state, and national levels, including Unit President, District 6 President, Department of Nebraska President, and Northwestern Divisional National Vice President. She also served on numerous committees, was instrumental in organizing Nance de Paris Salon 769 of Eight & Forty, and attended more than thirty National Conventions.
Evelyn also devoted countless hours to preserving the history of Howard County. In the early 1980s, she became a member of the Howard County Historical Society and quickly became an active volunteer, particularly at the Gruber House. She was instrumental in remodeling the Gruber House basement following a flood and creating several new displays. She also served numerous times as president, vice president, and treasurer of the historical society.
One of Evelyn’s proudest accomplishments came in 2017, when her dream of an Exhibition Hall at the Historical Village became a reality following many generous donations. Her dedication to preserving and sharing local history left a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Her community involvement also included membership on the RC&D Tourism Committee, Howard County Tourism Committee, and Gage Valley Extension Club, as well as serving as a 4-H leader.
Throughout her lifetime of service, Evelyn received numerous honors, including being appointed an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Award, the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen/ Volunteer Award, and the Howard County Historical Society Preservation Award.
She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Bob and Betty Dvorak, Sharon and Ken Zlomke, Ron and Julie Dvorak, Roger and Karol Dvorak, and Randy and Karen Dvorak; eleven grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren and eleven step-great-grandchildren; six great- great- grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Rosie Blaha; her husband, Alvin, in 1980; brother and sisterin- law, Leo and Ruth Blaha; daughter-in-law, Barbara (Holt) Dvorak; special friend, Ray Leth; and numerous aunts, uncles and friends.
Evelyn’s life was centered around her family, faith, service, and community. Her flowers, cards, dancing, dedication to veterans and local history, and most of all, her love for her family will be remembered for generations to come.
Condolences and memories may be shared with Evelyn’s family at www. petersfuneralhome.net.
The Phonograph-Herald | September 23, 2026