Mila Horak, 95, long-time Bayport resident and cherished church elder, died peacefully at home on April 11, 2017.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 6, at 11 a.m., at People’s Congregational Church in Bayport, with a luncheon following. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, May 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center in Stillwater, with a sharing time around 5:30 p.m.
She was born Emilie Miloslava Hruba on Feb. 24, 1922, in Josefov, Czechoslovakia, to Frantisek and Anna (Jarkovska) Hruby. She first came to the United States in 1941 to attend college, and graduated from the University of Dubuque, Iowa, in 1944, with a major in languages.
After working for IBM in New York City, she returned to Prague and married the Rev. Milo Horak on Aug. 31, 1945. They immigrated to the United States and became naturalized citizens in 1950. Their first pastorate was in Silver Lake, and then Bayport, where the Rev. Horak was pastor of People’s Congregational Church from 1954 to the beginning of 1958, when he died suddenly from illness. Mrs. Horak remained in the church parsonage, raised their children, and was active in the church and St. Croix Valley.
She loved little children, classical music, nature, helping others in need, and living in America. She never took freedom for granted. She will be remembered for her loving devotion to her family, her deep faith and dedication to the church, her uplifting spirit, delicious Czech cooking and baking, enormous garden, and sparkling blue eyes.
She is survived by her children, Jan (Kathy), Irene, Milan and Mary (Horak Binger); eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and Czech cousins, nieces, nephews, and sister-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her brother, the Rev. Blahoslav Hruby.
Memorials are preferred to the Family of Mila Horak for an educational fund in honor of the Rev. Milo and Mila Horak.
Arrangements are with Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, Stillwater.
Links:
[1] http://www.glencoenews.com/category/section/news/people-page