Irene Tajchman
Irene Tajchman, 66, died Oct. 2, 2004, near Marion.
Born in Clark Township near Tampa, on Aug. 29, 1938, she was the daughter of Joseph and Rose (Oborny) Tajchman.
She attended Hutchins Grade School and Ramona Grade School and graduated in 1956 from Ramona High School. She attended St. Francis School of Nursing in Wichita and graduated in 1959.
She entered the Navy and served as a Lt. JG nurse from 1963 to 1965 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md., and on a Naval medical ship during the Vietnam War.
After completing her Naval services she worked as a registered nurse at various hospitals, including Herington Municipal Hospital and Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka.
In 1980, she rejoined the Army Reserves and medically retired with the rank of major in 1992. She also worked for Osage County Health Department and the Red Cross.
She was a member of St. John Nepomucene Church, Holy Family Parish, and Tampa American Legion. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and going to polka dances.
She was married to Vincent Polok of Hope. The couple had three children, Emma, Rose, and Merlin. They later divorced. She met Earl Long and they had one child, Arlene.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Rose Tajchman.
Survivors include her children, Emma Davidson and husband Dale of Hope, Rose Polok of San Diego, Calif., Merlin Polok and wife Lonnie of Waterloo, Iowa, and Arlene Tryon of Blue Rapids and her husband, Michael who is serving in Iraq; two brothers, Edwin Tajchman of Garland, Texas, and Joe Tajchman of Lincolnville; a sister, Anna Marie Miller of Andover; and eight grandchildren.
The rosary was recited Thursday evening at Zeiner Funeral Home with Father Mark Wesely as rosary leader.
A Mass of Resurrection was said Friday morning at St. John Nep. Church, Pilsen, with Father Paul Oborny and Father Steve Gronert as concelebrants.
Jenna Tajchman and Jessica Laurin were lectors.
"How Great Thou Art" was sung by Jeff Bina.
Congregational hymns were "Amazing Grace" and "On Eagles Wings." Charlene Svitak was organist.
"Tennessee Waltz," "Barbara Polka," and "Above the Mountain" was played by accordionist Alex Stuchlik.
Gift bearers were Duncan Davidson, Dustin Davidson, Dwight Davidson, and Markis Hill.
Servers were Alfonse Klenda, Tyler Klenda, and Anna Laurin.
Casket bearers were Joe Miller, Ron Tajchman, Neal Polok, Mickey Farris, John Laurin, and Dale Klenda.
Burial was in Pilsen Cemetery with full military rites provided by a Fort Riley Honor Guard.
A memorial fund has been established with Pilsen Community Center.
