The Dodge Criterion/Fr. Anthony Folta Dies Saturday in Omaha Hospital

by anonymous

Fr. Anthony Folta Dies Saturday In Omaha Hospital

---

Pastor Of St. Wenceslaus Church Here Succumbs After Operation Performed 2 Weeks Previous

---

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL SERVICES CONDUCTED BY BISHOP RYAN HERE WEDNESDAY

---

Father Anthony Folta beloved pastor of St. Wenceslaus Catholic church of Dodge passed away suddenly and unexpected in St. Joseph hospital, Omaha Saturday. He had submitted to a major operation Sept. 6th and was making excellent progress toward recovery when he suddenly grew weaker. Death was attributed to a blood clot. He was 53 years of age.

Father Folta came to Dodge as pastor of St. Wenceslaus parish Oct. 1, 1931. He had previously been pastor for 11 years at Holy Trinity church at Heun in Colfax county. During his 6 years as pastor in Dodge he had endeared himself in the hearts of his parishoners and his friends were many both in and outsde of Catholic circles. It was during his pastorate here that the beauitful new rectory was built and his careful admnistration of parish affairs resulted in many fine improvements in the church. As pastor of the parish he was also head of the St. Wenceslaus School. He was ever popular and active in community affairs.

He was born Nov., 30, 1884 in Stara Bela, Morava. He began his studies for the priesthood at the Salesian Fathers college in Daszawa, Poland and later studied at the Salesian Fathers college, Ramsey, N. J. and at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wis.

He was ordained in 1919 at St. Cecelia’s cathedral in Omaha by the late Most Reverend Jeremiah J. Harty then arch bishop of the Omaha diocese. He then served several months as curate of St. Wenceslaus parish in Omaha.

He is survived by 4 brothers and 1 sister living in Czechoslovakia. He had no living relatives in the United States.

The body was brought to Dodge by Miller and Hu⟨ml⟩icek ambulance Monday morning and was placed in the St. Wenceslaus church where it laid in state under a special guard of honor until the funeral Wednesday.

His Excellency Most Reverend James H. Ryan, Bishop of Omaha read the funeral mass at 10 a. m. Wednesday, with Father Klein and Father Kovar as deacons of the mass. Deacons of Honor were Father Tehan of Clyde and Father Theis of North Bend. Father Boschek of West Point was assistant, and Father Herman of Schuyler delivered the sermon in the Bohem language. Father Wagner Secretary to the Bishop was Master of Ceremonies. Masses began at 7 p. m. to give as many as possible an opportunity to attend before the 10 o’clock mass.

It is estimated over two thousand people were present for the 10 o’clock mass which lasted until noon, most of them being compelled to stand out side of the church. A loud speaker system was brought into service to enable those outside to hear the mass and and sermon. The Dodge Band played a funeral march at the church before the services began. The American Legion took over the task of directing traffic until the funeral procession left town.

Out of respect for the deceased all business places were closed from 9:30 until noon and the public school was dismissed during the forenoon. The St. Wenceslaus school was closed all day and all the school children attended the service. Fifty-five visiting priests were in attendance.

At 2 o’clock following refreshments which were made available at the parish hall in accordance with his last wishes, the funeral procession left for Heun where the remains were laid to rest in the church yard of Holy Trinity church.

Father O’borney of Tabor delived a Bohemian sermon at the cemetery and Father Chaperoun of Omaha delivered the English sermon.