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Historical records matching Johann Hans Klimesch
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About Johann Hans Klimesch
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~prohel/names/klimes/klimes...
see Picture of their family car: 1930-1 Essex Super Six made in USA
Johann Klimesch was the CEO of “Heeg & Friedmann” factory in Šternberk, Moravia factory since 1912, becoming its Manager and after his wife Anne's death, the owner. He would purchase the latest machines from Switzerland, as well as invent new ways to automate. Their son Arthur, hoping one day to follow in his father’s footsteps, was in a Textile school since 1943, at the age of 14. Because their father was active against the Nazi regime and never a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), he was not deported to Germany with 50 kg of belongings, as almost everyone else in 1945-46 Šternberk.
During the Nazi invasion of Šternberk in October 1938, the Nazis were interested in taking the Klimesch 1937 Essex Supersix (USA) automobile *Wikipedia. Hans knew this could happen & removed a part prior, thus making the car unusable. He told the Nazis since the car was made in USA, he was unable to order the part during the war. The Nazis believed him, left - and the Essex remained parked in the garage until 1945. In May 1945, during the Russian libaration (invasion), the family was hiding nearby the garage - when they heard their Essex running. It appears the Russians found the removed part in the garage, fixed the car and drove it away. Later, their stolen Essex was seen 2 times on the streets of Šternberk, after which it was likely shipped to Russia.
A guard named Mr. Jordan was placed at the Factory and when the Russians arrived in May 1945, he told the Russians who in the factory belonged to the German party. On May 30th Johann Klimesch was arrested, because he was the owner of the Factory at the time, but released after investigation and interrogation. However, in 1948 while his children Adele, Arthur and Rudolf were at home, Johann was arrested again. Johann, along with many others including the Gröger family, was forced to go on a “Journey by foot to Russia”. Somewhere on the road by Šumperk he Fell Down, “Pretending to have a Heart Attack”. After several Death Threats and Attempts by the Soldiers to get him up failed, they left him behind in the ditch. It was at this time that Mr. Leopold Knappek, who was also in the march and knew Johann from business, took the opportunity to empty Johanns pockets and take what Money he had with him. Three days later Johann made it back to Šternberk and his children by foot, however he was immediately Imprisoned by the Russians. Extensive interrogation followed, but he was found Innocent again of any collaboration and released.
After the “Communist Take-Over” in February 1948, Johann realized, that there is no future for him and his family in Czechoslovakia. He obtained an affidavit from a Morawetz relative in Canada and left for Montreal in December 1948 with sons Arthur (age 19) and Rudolf (age 16). This was only allowed, after the Communists had Johann sign a document – Forcing him to give up his Czechoslovakian citizenship and his Šternberk properties. Only their daughter Heidi Adele (age 21) chose to stay in Šternberk, a decision which must have been very difficult for all of them. She remained, as a result of meeting captain Miroslav Rohel in 1947 - however, "they did not know" - the country would become and remain Communist under Russia's control and closed borders.
As to what became of “Heeg & Friedmann (Klimesch)” factory since being stolen in 1946; it took until 1948, before an “Official Confiscation document” was issued. By then, “Vigona (now Fibertex)” of Svitavy either owned the Factory or had some deal with Šternberk as to the Factory management. It’s possible they were unable to utilize the factory for 2 years, but it’s more likely, that it was a communist “scam to steal the land” from the beginning, since the Factory was “demolished” in 1950's? The regime wanted to make sure there were "No Structures for possible Future Claims”, as the country was now becoming “officially Communist”. Heidi did not wish to see the Demolition (pictures) as it hurt too much, but she did see the Chimney Fall down from a distance.
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Johann Hans Klimesch's Timeline
| 1888 |
June 12, 1888
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Pisařov (Schreibendorf), Moravia, Czech Republic
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| 1927 |
November 12, 1927
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Šternberk (Sternberg), Moravia, Czech Republic
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| 1929 |
December 6, 1929
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Šternberk (Sternberg), Olomouc District, Moravia, Czech Republic
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| 1932 |
January 9, 1932
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Šternberk (Sternberg), Olomouc, Moravia, Czech Republic
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| 1972 |
May 15, 1972
Age 83
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Montréal, QC, Canada
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