St. Paul, Nebraska
August 1943

Obituary of Mrs. John Tuma
Funeral Services Were Largely Attended

Katy Spilinek Tuma, daughter of Anton and Mary Spilinek, was born in Bohemia on October 19, 1868, and passed away Tuesday morning, August 17, 1943 at St. Paul, Nebraska, at the age of 74 years 9 months and 28 days.

When 6 years old she came to the United States with her parents, landing at Baltimore, Md., later moving to Omaha, where they lived for three and one-half years. They then came to Elba, Nebraska, where they lived on a farm. While a young lady she assisted her parents in the care of the home, and later helped others in Elba and St. Paul. She became very skilled in the culinary arts, for which she was well known.

On May 24, 1890, she was married to John G. Tuma. They made their home on a farm near Cotesfield, Nebraska. To this union were born 14 children, four of whom have preceded her in death. Just a few years ago, in 1940, Mr. and Mrs. Tuma celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mrs. Tuma was a kind, loving and truly ideal mother. The home, her family, and neighbors were primary thoughts in her life. Happy were the occasions of the visit of her children and their friends. No one was ever turned away hungry from her door. She loved the outdoors, as could be noted by her large flower garden and her many hours spent in fishing.

Although Mrs. Tuma was not a member of any church, she was a firm believer in God and always trusted Him in all things and communed with Him in all her needs.

Those who mourn her passing besides her husband are Mrs. Lucy Vlach, Cotesfield; Mrs. Agnes King, Grand Island; Mrs. Helen Horky, Ravenna; John A., of Blair; Phillip of Cotesfield; Adam of Cotesfield; Mrs. Josie Hughes, St. Paul;, Mrs. Kathryn Lukesh, Grand Island;, Clarence, Cotesfield and Staff Sgt. Cecil, of Jacksonville, Florida; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Halla, Elba, and Mrs. Josie Weiker, Cotesfield; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held at Cotesfield Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the home and at 2:30 from the U.B.Church, under the direction of the Keating Mortuary; with Rev. W. J. Primrose and Rev. H. A. McKelvey in charge of the services. The choir, Mrs. A. K. Coombs, Mrs. H. R. DeLand, A. N. Weinrich and Allen Keep sang, "Looking This Way," "Ivory Palaces," and "There's No Disappointment in Heaven." Pallbearers were Paul Coufal, John W. Tuma, Ted Tuma, Henry Halla, Richard Spilinek and Louis Spilinek. The flower bearers were Mrs. Enda Gress, Harriett Leth, Doris Halla and Blanche Coufal. Burial was in Cotesfield cemetery, Nebraska.