1920
Mrs.
2013
Mrs. Lillian Macek
April 30, 1920 — January 14, 2013
Lillian Hoch Macek
Lillian Hoch Macek, 92, Roeland Park, died Monday, January 14, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital. A visitation will be held 1-4 pm Sunday, January 27 at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel. A committal service with military honors will be 1:30 pm Monday, January 28 at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, KS. Lillian Mae Hoch was born April 30, 1920 to James and Matilda (Diehammer) Hoch on a farm south of Wilson, KS. When she began attending the one-room school three miles from home, she spoke only Czech. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1938 and then attended nurses' training at St. John's Hospital in Salina. Upon graduation in 1941, she and her second cousin, Josephine Zeman, and their close friend, Elaine Schuler, agreed to join the Army Nurse Corps if the US went to war. Consequently, in 1942 the three nurses enlisted together. They served with KU Medical Center's 77th Evacuation Hospital. Their tour of duty included England, North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. Serving as a surgical nurse, most often in a tent, Lillian attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. On April 14, 1947 Lillian married Leon Macek, a childhood friend, and a year later they moved to Roeland Park. In 1957 when their two daughters were off to a good start in school, arrayed in the sweet dresses and coats Lillian created, she returned to nursing. She worked nights for 28 years, beginning at Trinity Lutheran Hospital's nursery and retiring from the Veterans' Administration Hospital in 1985. Then she and Leon began participating in senior citizens' musical events, with Leon playing the drums at many KC locations. They loved the dancing and made many good friends. Leon died August 12, 1990.
In later years, Lillian was busy with quilting, water aerobics, the Czech and Slovak Club of KC, baking kolache, gardening, oil painting and reading extensively about the history of WWII. She took great pride in veterans' activities, attending her unit's Army reunions all over the country and traveling to Washington, DC on an Honor Flight in 2009. She was always ready to help neighbors and friends and will be remembered for her resourcefulness, determination, common sense, and stamina. She especially loved growing her beautiful roses and caring for her dogs. She will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother Emil of Wilson. She is survived by her daughters Anita Macek of Roeland Park, Loretta Macek of Mission, grandson Ted Alsop of Madison, WI, and Lucy, her beloved Corgi. Her former sons-in-law Edward Alsop of Lawrence and Richard Malsick of Independence, MO were always dear to her. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Heartland Honor Flight, PO Box 2125, Lee's Summit, MO 64063 or Great Plains SPCA, 5428 Antioch Dr., Merriam, KS 66202. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.overlandparkchapel.com (Arr. by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913) 648-6224).
Lillian Hoch Macek, 92, Roeland Park, died Monday, January 14, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital. A visitation will be held 1-4 pm Sunday, January 27 at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel. A committal service with military honors will be 1:30 pm Monday, January 28 at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, KS. Lillian Mae Hoch was born April 30, 1920 to James and Matilda (Diehammer) Hoch on a farm south of Wilson, KS. When she began attending the one-room school three miles from home, she spoke only Czech. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1938 and then attended nurses' training at St. John's Hospital in Salina. Upon graduation in 1941, she and her second cousin, Josephine Zeman, and their close friend, Elaine Schuler, agreed to join the Army Nurse Corps if the US went to war. Consequently, in 1942 the three nurses enlisted together. They served with KU Medical Center's 77th Evacuation Hospital. Their tour of duty included England, North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. Serving as a surgical nurse, most often in a tent, Lillian attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. On April 14, 1947 Lillian married Leon Macek, a childhood friend, and a year later they moved to Roeland Park. In 1957 when their two daughters were off to a good start in school, arrayed in the sweet dresses and coats Lillian created, she returned to nursing. She worked nights for 28 years, beginning at Trinity Lutheran Hospital's nursery and retiring from the Veterans' Administration Hospital in 1985. Then she and Leon began participating in senior citizens' musical events, with Leon playing the drums at many KC locations. They loved the dancing and made many good friends. Leon died August 12, 1990.
In later years, Lillian was busy with quilting, water aerobics, the Czech and Slovak Club of KC, baking kolache, gardening, oil painting and reading extensively about the history of WWII. She took great pride in veterans' activities, attending her unit's Army reunions all over the country and traveling to Washington, DC on an Honor Flight in 2009. She was always ready to help neighbors and friends and will be remembered for her resourcefulness, determination, common sense, and stamina. She especially loved growing her beautiful roses and caring for her dogs. She will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother Emil of Wilson. She is survived by her daughters Anita Macek of Roeland Park, Loretta Macek of Mission, grandson Ted Alsop of Madison, WI, and Lucy, her beloved Corgi. Her former sons-in-law Edward Alsop of Lawrence and Richard Malsick of Independence, MO were always dear to her. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Heartland Honor Flight, PO Box 2125, Lee's Summit, MO 64063 or Great Plains SPCA, 5428 Antioch Dr., Merriam, KS 66202. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.overlandparkchapel.com (Arr. by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913) 648-6224).
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