ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 105 Number 30
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
ISSN —07458800
Johnnie I. Krajca lived, loved polka SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis icon was one-in-a-million
The Ennis News • July 19, 2017 Used with permission from The Ennis News. By Mark Warde
Johnnie I. Krajca, the personality and voice of Ennis for nearly a half century, passed away at his farm on Saturday, July 15. Known throughout the area and as far as KBEC 1390 AM airwaves would carry, he was an icon for polka music, Czech culture, and the Ennis community for decades. Calling him a true legend in North Texas in the polka industry, Danny Zapletal says he hosted a radio show every Sunday for 48.5 years. A mainstay from 9 to 11 a.m., he spent the majority of those years at KBEC in downtown Waxahachie and a couple of seasons on the air for KAND 1340AM out of Corsicana. “As a person, he was always positive and was loved by everyone,” added Zapletal. “Johnnie was excited about polka music. In fact, it could be pouring down rain outside, but he would make a point to tell listeners, “It’s a beautiful day when you’re playing polka.” “He loved playing polka, and he loved being on the air,” stated Zapletal, who succeeded him on KBEC’s Polka Party. “I got to be the lucky one who followed him.” Visitation was from 6 to 9 p.m. on
Thursday, July 20 in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel, with rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was at10 a.m. on Friday, July 21 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church. He went by his middle initial as his radio name since there was someone else in the area with the same first and last name. “I have been shocked by the outpouring of responses from people on the radio,” said Zapletal. “There were so many people who lived to listen to his polka show. He had a huge following. Johnnie will definitely be missed.” Krajca (CRY-cha) played a myriad of musicians, bands, and orchestras. He promoted polka, waltzes, Czech shows in the area, and ethnic music, says Jimmy Zabojnik. “I got to work with him on the air, doing whatever needed to be done in the station,” he said. “I’d say his show reached a peak about eight years ago. He had a big audience. It was kind of like going to church, it was every Sunday. We listened to the show after church.” Zabojnik appreciated how Johnnie I supported all of the local bands, including the lodges and organizations. “It seemed like he was everywhere, always there, always positive. I grew up listening to him,” he continued. “He
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Important Dates ...................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 State YAD Information.........................3 Lodge Section......................................4 Reunions ..............................................9
★ Brotherhood
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Thank you to the members and Věstník However, we have not heard from many of subscribers who have responded our current subscribers. The deadto the form that appeared on line has been extended to Authe back page of the June gust 15, 2017. If you have not and early July Věstníks. responded, please turn to the The form asked subback page and respond scribers whether they today by mail, email, fax, wish to continue revisiting spjst.org, or callceiving the Věstník ing 254-773-1575. And, and their preference please help us spread on receiving the the word by reminding Věstník by mail, by your fellow SPJST email, or both mail members to respond Please and email. today. If you want to respond today! As of July 20, continue your Věstwe have only received 3,500 responses. ník, you must respond. We look We appreciate each response received. forward to hearing from you!
District Six Royalty
Continued on Page 3.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Youth Section ......................................9 In Memoriam ......................................14 Czech Culture ....................................17 Advertisements .................................17 Lodge Calendar .................................18 Vestnik Subscriber............................20
July 26, 2017
Lodge 67 Schulenburg members meet
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Congratulations to 2017-2018 District Six Royalty. They are, left to right, King Luc Marcaurele and Duke Brett Bacak, both of Lodge 30, Taiton, and Queen Myranda Zielonka of Lodge 148, El Maton. Not pictured is Duchess Chloe Zielonka of Lodge 148. They were crowned on July 16 at Taiton Community Center. District Six YAD photos and results appear on pages 11 to 13.
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Lodge 81 Needville member celebrates 94th birthday
State King’s Notebook: That’s a wrap!
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