Alma Josephine Hogan

Alma Josephine Hogan, the daughter of Frank and Matilda (Zelenka) Fencl, was born on January 14, 1920, in rural Table Rock, Nebraska. She spent her early years in Table Rock. Later, after her parents’ deaths, she moved to Nebraska City, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school. She moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1938. On September 16, 1946, Alma married Harold R. Straight in Golden, Colorado; the couple divorced in 1956. Alma moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1952. On August 3, 1958, Alma married William A. Hogan in Omaha, Nebraska. They moved to Harlan, Iowa, in 1960. Alma worked as a waitress for various Harlan restaurants, including the Holiday Buffet, Red’s Cafe, White Star, and the 59’er. Due to poor health, Alma retired in 1989.

Alma was a Lutheran. She loved music and played the violin and accordion. Alma, whose favorite color was red, also enjoyed making dolls.

Alma J. Hogan died on Sunday, January 16, 2005, at her home in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 85 years and 2 days.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her second husband, William A. Hogen, on March 16, 1981; two brothers, George Fencl and Louis Fencl; and two sisters, Lena Lang and Elsie Paul. Survivors include one son, Duane Straight of Harlan, Iowa; one brother, Jess Fencl of Council Bluffs, Iowa; three step-children; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial reception was held on Monday, January 24, 2005, at the St. Michael’s Catholic Rectory in Harlan, Iowa. Burial of the ashes will be in Table Rock, Nebraska, at a later date. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.