The Bohemian National Cemetery of Rich Valley Township is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization with a proud 150+ year history, whose mission is to provide a dignified, non-sectarian burial place for its members regardless of their ethnic background, religious affiliation or political beliefs.
The Bohemian National Cemetery (Ceský Národní Hrbitov) Association was organized in 1873 by the same group of men who started the Bohemian Reading and Educational Society (Cesky Ctenarsky V Zdelavajici Spolek), but was entirely separate from it. At that time the only cemeteries were church affiliated, and many of the pioneers having come here for religious freedom wanted a non-sectarian cemetery.
John Kasper, Josef Kadlec, and Joseph Mikulecky, trustees acting for the Association, bought two acres of land on a wooded hillside from Anton Nunvár (Nuwash) for $20. Joseph Kasper surveyed the land and lots 24 feet square were laid out. Many early settlers donated labor and it was credited to them in their purchase of a lot. Some of the early records read, “Josef Kadlec, $1.16 for lot, plus four days of labor; Anton Nunvár, $1.15 for lot, plus four days of labor. Anton Zeleny paid $2.50 for his lot without donated labor. Quarterly dues were assessed, and once or twice non-payment of dues resulted in the lot being foreclosed and sold to another.
Two lots (#30 and #35) identified as “Potter’s Field” were set aside for those not able or desiring to buy full lots, and single places were sold there or given. Many infants are buried there. Another lot (#59) was set aside in the center of the cemetery for services. Each Memorial Day, family gathered at the Bohemian Hall and marched to the cemetery, nearly two miles. The oldest and the youngest went with horse and buggy, and memorial services, with music and a speaker were held. When memorial services were discontinued, the lot was sold to the Andrews family at a premium.
In 1899 Joseph Friauf, Joseph Muzik, and John Marvan, trustees, bought an additional acre on the east side of the cemetery from Frank Nuwash. The lots were then renumbered and four roads were laid out. In 1937 another acre was purchased South of the cemetery, but was not surveyed and platted until 1978.
Caretakers throughout the years have been Vaclav Marvin, his son Frank; James Pessek, Frank Reml, son-in-law of John Marvan, then Joe Ondracek, and James Pessek for 23 years. After Jim’s death, the task was divided: Reuben and Eileen Bakken mowed the grass and James F. Pessek and Jack Ondracek opened graves for four years. Lloyd and Mark Rath also mowed grass for many years.
Many individuals have served as officers of the Bohemian National Cemetery Association over the last 50 years, including:
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Presidents: Frank Jerabek, Fred Friauf, and Bob Nunvár
Vice Presidents: Ellen Dostal, Chas Jerabek, and Wayne Oliva
Treasurers: Wayne Oliva, James F. Pessek, Bessie Pessek, and Bob Nunvár
Secretaries: Fern Oliva, Helen Sustacek, and Maud Mlinar
Current officers are Tony Kadlec (President & Treasurer), Derrick Carlson (Vice President), and Jolen Bentz (Secretary)
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Currently the Association meets on an annual basis. The purpose of the meeting is to plan needs and projects, to settle all accounts, pay all bills, and elect officers. Although the Constitution and by-laws have been updated over the years, one excellent provision states: “A member may speak to a point but twice if other members wish to be heard on the subject. Further access to the floor requires the consent of all present.”
Membership in Bohemian National Cemetery Association is open to all people regardless of ethnic or religious background. For more information regarding membership or to purchase a cemetery plot, please see our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page or the contact page for the Cemetery Association Officers.