the whistle in heaven

On Tuesday morning, I got to school and found my phone filled with messages and texts. The dear Kim Blomgren had left a message that she was with her father at Abbott. I texted her back to let her know that I was praying. She immediately called and let me know that her wonderful papa was now in heaven. I started to cry because of the shock but then realized that Jim is in a wonderful place. A place where he is greeted by many loved ones and that he will prepare for the many people whom he loves that will join him someday.

Here is his obituary:

Wencel Joseph Kubes, Age 81 of New Prague, died peacefully at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Tuesday, March 29, 2016 surrounded by family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague with Knights of Columbus prayer service at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague with Father Kevin Clinton officiating with visitation two hours prior at the funeral home. Burial will be held in St. Wenceslaus Church Cemetery.

Wencel was born on March 11, 1935 in Helena Township in Scott County to Wenceslaus and Anna (Simon) Kubes. He was united in marriage to Patricia Kelash in Crystal, MN on September 18, 1962.

Wencel was a farmer most of his life. After retirement he drove bus for the Scott County Transit. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree of New Prague. Wencel enjoyed his family, dancing, visiting, playing cards, whistling and giving hayrides. He touched the hearts of everyone he met.

Wencel is survived by his wife, Patricia of New Prague; Children, Wencel Kubes and special friend (Anne Thurston) of New Prague, Patrice Kubes of Shakopee, Randy (Lisa) Kubes of Shakopee, Kim (Kyle) Blomgren of Butterfield, Chris Kubes of New Prague, Gloria (Tim) Flicek of New Prague, Victoria Kubes and special friend (Josh Svoboda) of Prior Lake; grandchildren, Wencel Trenton and Tatum Kubes, Anna, Joey and Sarah Kubes, Kyle Jr., Adam, Liana and Ryan Blomgren, Jimmy and Eddie Kubes, and Charlie and John Flicek; siblings; Bernadine Svoboda of New Prague, and Wally (Jeanne) Kubes; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Schoenbauer, and Clarence Smisek; Sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Kubes all of New Prague, and Mary Lou Kubes of Arizona.

Wencel is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Janice Smisek, Eugenia Ziskovsky, Mae Ann Schoenbauer, and Carol Kubes; brothers, Arnold Kubes, John Kubes in infancy, and Wayne Kubes; in-laws, Raymond Ziskovsky and Bill Svoboda.

Military honors will be provided by the New Prague Area Honor Guard.