John (Jan) Kolar

Born on owned farm in Saunders Co. Lived on Kolar farm east of Dwight, later given to Joe Kolar. Moved to farm west of there (160 acres) and then bought it from his father. Attended Midland College in 1917 for teacher training. Began farming in 1918. in 1920, Florian Bartek ran the steamer and John hauled bundles for threshing. (Picture at Joe Kolar farm.) Also in partnership with Joe Anderly Sr.--John ran Case Crossmotor tractor and Joe tended threshing machine (1923).

Also maintained the roads (road crew foreman) in Richardson Township for 8 years (1928-1936)--doing grading, repairing bridges, scooping, scraping--work done by hand or with horses.  Was on the Township Committee from 1934-1938.  Worked for the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Administration) in Butler County from 1938-1941 when the U.S. entered the war and everyone went to work on farms as the program died down.  Farmed from then on, acquired another 160 acres from F.J. Semin. Thomas Suchy and Joseph Rada (both buried in Brainard) stayed on the farm and were hired men at different times (slept in the attic).

Joined brother Frank in implement business--1945 (formerly Slosar and Kolar). Moved to Dwight 1946. Name was changed to Kolar Implement Co. and was expanded to include parts, service, various farm mahinery, trucks, and household appliances. International Harvester, J.I. Case, Westinghouse--could order almost any appliance. Retired in 1972, but kept working--

Moved to Seward October 31, 1970. Farm sale east of Dwight, 2 weeks before. Sold land to Hains December 1975.

Hobbies were gardening, tree-planting and doing his own conservation work on the farm west of Dwight with tractor and other equipment. Saw to it 2 ponds were stocked with pike, bass and walleye. Liked to read and fix anything imaginable.

Served on Dwight Public School Board for 4 years, member ZCBJ Lodge over 50 years,awarded Soil Conservation Award in February 1955 by Senator Hruska, received Driving Certificate from AARP after completing course, May 1988 (88 years old). Was Dwight Czech Festival parade Marshal in 1984. Two white pine trees are planted in his honor along the brick driveway leading up to Arbor Lodge Mansion in Nebraska City. No middle name, but used (A) if initial required.