Birdie Kulhanek, 82

Birdie Kulhanek, 82, beloved wife, mother, sister, and daughter, passed away April 22, 2008, of complications from pneumonia.

Birdie was born Bertha Pauline Blahnik on Dec. 31, 1925 in Kewaunee, Wis., to Frank and Katherine Blahnik.

She graduated from Kewau-nee High School in 1943 and married Emil J. Kulhanek Jr. on her birthday, Dec. 31, 1949. After they married, Birdie and Emil moved to Missoula, Mont., where Emil studied forestry and Birdie worked in the registrar’s office at the University of Montana.

During Emil’s 30 years in the U.S. Forest Service, they made their home in many places, including Kingston, Idaho, St. Regis, Mont., Sandpoint, and finally Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They loved each place they lived and made many friends throughout the years.

Birdie worked at Jennestad’s Clothing Store in Sandpoint in the 1970s. Birdie and Emil spent many summers boating and camping with their three children, Jake, Mary and John. Birdie was an avid music lover and gifted musician. She played cornet, piano, organ and had a beautiful singing voice. She came from a long line of Czech musicians. Her father and his brothers, “The Blahnik Brass Band,” were well-known throughout Wisconsin. There was always wonderful music in her home.

Birdie was an active member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and enjoyed facilitating the meals for special occasions, events and funerals along with her dear friends from the parish. Birdie loved all types of gardening and working in the yard and maintained a bountiful fruit and vegetable garden for many years. She was wonderful with pets and had quite a variety of them over the years.

Birdie was a colon cancer survivor and also battled many other health issues but continued to be resilient. She never lost her joy for life. She always saw the “cup half full” and made people feel good just being around her. She was generous and compassionate, always willing to help. Birdie had a smile and a good word for everyone. Her laughter and sense of humor continued to the very end.

Birdie was preceded in death by her husband, Emil; her brother, Arthur; and her sister, Betty. Her survivors include her brother, Leon; her three children, Emil J. Kulhanek III, Mary Ann DeFrank, and John F. Kulhanek; her favorite son-in-law, Charlie DeFrank; and six grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Catholic School, 3005 Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83815.

Visitation is Sunday, April 27, from 3-7 p.m. and Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27, both at English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene. A Mass will be held at St. Thomas Church, Coeur d’Alene, at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, with a luncheon immediately following at St. Thomas Center. Graveside service is Tuesday, April 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery, Coeur d’Alene.