Charles Albion Kucera

In Memory OfCharles A. Kucera, Jr.Charles Albion Kucera, Jr., of Friend, died Saturday May 21, 2005, at the Friend Manor in Friend at the age of 92 years, 4 months and 7 days. He was born January 3, 1913, at Holdrege, Nebraska to Charles and Welthy (Stephen) Kucera. As a young boy he attended school and apprenticed for his father, a watchmaker, in the early 1930's. On May 15, 1944, he married Lou Palmer at the Methodist Parsonage in Friend, Nebraska and this union was blessed with a daughter, Tena. He worked as a civilian employee at the Fairmont Air Field during WWII as a radio repairman. After his marriage to Lou, they made their home in Crete where Charlie operated Kucera Jewelers and later in 1957 Charlie moved to Friend to begin his own jewelry store, "Kucera Jewelry and Watch Repair" on Maple Street. In the early 1980's Charlie moved his watch making and jewelry repair business to his home which had been the location of his parent's shop, working on the very bench his Dad had used. In a 1986 Friend Sentinel article, it was noted that he repaired his 10,000th watch. After making his home at the Friend Manor, he enjoyed sharing his artistic talent with others including pictures drawn on a manual typewriter years ago. Charlie was a member of the United Church of Christ and served his church as head usher for many years. He was a member of the Friend Country Club where he was a long-time participant of the men's golf league. Charlie also belonged to the Friend Chamber of Commerce and received the Extensive Service Award in 1978. He was a member for more than 50 years of the I.O.O.F. serving the lodge in several leadership positions. In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed bowling and golf. Charlie had a great sense of humor and he had a keen interest in aviation, weather and gems, and enjoyed the hobby of rock tumbling. He had a wonderful sense of communication with people and enjoyed their stories. Charles is survived by his daughter and companion, Tena Meehan and Gary Garrison, both of Topeka, KS, cousins, Janice Kucera, Exeter, Belva Johnson, Lois and Don Eret, all of Dorchester, former spouse and her husband, Lou and Harold McKibben, Hastings. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at the United Church of Christ, Friend, with Rev. Bharat Surrender officiating. Interment will be in Andrew Cemetery. Visitation is 2-9pm Tuesday at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend, and one hour before services on Wednesday. Memorials have been established and may be directed in care of the family.