Erma Jean (Kalina) Penkava

Erma Jean (Kalina) Penkava of Beatrice, Nebraska, was born to Rudolph and Mary (Vitek) Kalina on March 3, 1930, in rural Pawnee County on the family farm east of Table Rock.  She attended rural School District 34 from 1935-1937 and beginning in 1938 attended the Table Rock Public School, where she graduated with the class of 1947.  

After knowing each other most of their growing up years, Erma Jean and Alfred Penkava were united in marriage on October 5, 1952, at the Falls City Methodist Church.  During their married lives, they lived in the Table Rock area until they made their move to Beatrice in 2011, where they made a comfy apartment their final home.  They recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary with a small gathering. 

During their marriage, Erma Jean worked as a store clerk.  She was the Clerk of the Table Rock Post Office for approximately ten years; for the last ten years of her career, she was the Postmaster of the Johnson Post Office until she retired on December 29, 1989.  She and Alfred made many trips with Moostash Joe Tours.  She also loved to collect Beanie Babies; you could find her at different shops waiting in line for newest one. 

In August of 2022, Alfred could no longer take care of Erma Jean in their home and she moved into the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice, where Alfred visited her bedside twice a day.  She passed away there on Sunday, November 27th, having reached the earthly age of 92 years, 8 months, and 24 days. 

Erma was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Arnold; a sister, Elsie Wenzbauer; and a brother, Marvin “Pud” Kalina. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Alfred; sisters-in-law, Elma Lee Buchholz of Table Rock and Dorothy Penkava of Humboldt; numerous nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2022 at the Czech Cemetery, rural Table Rock, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.  

Register book will be available for signing on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska

Memorials may go to the family's choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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