Bio: Pekol, Joseph & Helena

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Pekol, Zupancic, Urbanz

----Source: Family Scrapbook

Joseph was born in the Village of Gombisce, parish of St. Vidnear near Zaticna. He came to America in 1901 coming first to Rockdale, Illinois near Joliet.

Helena Zupancic was born in the Village of Kal, parish of Dobernice, area of Dolenskem. She came to America in 1902.

They met and were married in Joliet, Illinois in 1902. Born to them were four sons and three daughters. They lived in the Rockdale Joliet area for 12 years.

Mother kept in touch from Europe with her friend and neighbor, Mrs. John Petkovsek. She wrote to the folks and informed them of the new settlement in Willard. Dad decided to go and inquire about the land which he purchased 21/2 miles north of Willard - 60 acres. In the Spring of 1912, the folks and five children moved to Willard.

Helen (now resides in Lodi, Wisconsin), Joe (deceased), Frank (deceased), Stanley (resides in Wausau), and Julia (resides in Greenwood). Edward (resides in Willard), and Mary (resides in Milwaukee) were born in Willard.

They lived on this farm for 15 years then sold it to Frank Urbanz and bought another south east of Willard about ten miles.

Their son Frank and wife Mary took over the farm. Dad moved to Willard where he started and ran a tavern until he passed away. Mother took care of it until she passed away.