Josephine Pohanka

Josephine Pohanka, age 101 of Park River, ND passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Center of Park River. Josephine Vasichek was born March 17, 1908 in Perth Township of Walsh County, ND the daughter of the late James and Anna (Karas) Vasichek. She grew up and attended school there. Josephine was united in marriage to Jerry Pohanka in 1936. In 1938 the couple moved to Park River where they have lived since. From 1940 -1945 Josephine cared for patients of Doctors Weed and Irvin in her home, since there was no hospital in Park River at the time. In 1963 she started working as a Resident Care Technician at the Developmental Center in Grafton. She retired after 15 years of employment. She was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and WELCA and the ZCBJ Lodge near Lankin, ND. Josephine is survived by her sons: Larry (Ann) Pohanka and Gerald Pohanka, both of Park River, ND; three granddaughters: Katherine (Terry) Holzer, Linton, ND; Lori (Kelly) Kalama, West Pueblo, CO; Xan (Todd) Swenson, Ellsworth, WI; six great grandchildren: Lukas, Morgan, Payton and Graycn Holzer, Rafe and Gabe Kalama. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1965, brothers: James and John Vasichek, sisters: Mary Pesek, Minnie Kubat, Frances Bina and Albina Pich.