Know your Driftless Neighbor: Meet the Jiraks

Ron and Blanche Jirak of Protivin hold their wedding photo, taken 73 years ago. (Photo by Samantha Ludeking)

By Samantha Ludeking, Driftless Journal Production Manager

From your next-door neighbor to that one down on main street, a face you see around town or a name you hear over and over, these are your  Driftless Neighbors.

 

“Work hard at everything you do, and it will all come out real good.” Words of wisdom from 93-year-old Blanche (Doubek) Jirak. Ron and Blanche Jirak celebrated 73 years of together earlier this year. The 96 and 93-year-old, respectively, have called Protivin home for 67 years.

“We used to know everybody. We knew their kid’s names. We even knew their dogs. We don’t know them all anymore, but we used to,” said Ron.

What was pasture when they built their home in 1957 became a bustling mill. They’ve watched their town and neighbors change while raising their three children, Ken, Sherri and Diane, and watching their 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren grow. Ron’s advice for a long, happy marriage and life is to work hard and work together. 

“Have a lot of patience,” added Blanche.

Ron spent 49 years managing Frudden Lumber and Blanche worked uptown at Larson’s Tavern. Ron served on the fire department, city council and as city clerk. Both served their town and parish while enjoying fishing, bowling, ball games, horse racing and, in later years, traveling to visit snowbird friends down south.

“Everything there is to do, we’ve done together,” Blanche said with a smile.

While they may not be downtown at this weekend’s Czech Days in Protivin, they’ll enjoy watching the traffic flood into town. The couple recently reflected on the very first Czech Days, of which they were part. 

“Everyone in town was,” said Ron.

The first Czech Days celebration was held in 1978 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Protivin’s Holy Trinity parish. The celebration continues to this day and is held the third full weekend of August. Back in 1978, Ron and Joe Fencil were responsible for buying all the Pivo — the centennial beer — while Blanche sold beer tickets and helped out around the event.

Briefly…

What do you like most about living in the Driftless? Peace and quiet, good neighbors and friendly people.

Favorite Driftless location: Card games at The Mint.

Favorite Movie or TV show: Basketball

Favorite scent: Blanche: Fresh air
Ron: All good food

Favorite ice cream flavor: Blanche: Vanilla
Ron: Cold

Favorite human: Blanch: My husband
Ron: The wife and family

What do you want to be when you grow up? Ron: Young!
Blanche: Yeah, young! We’d do it all again.

There are so many incredible people in the Driftless! Do you know someone more people should know about? Submit your “Know Your Driftless Neighbor” to: samantha.ludeking@decorahleader.com.

Ron and Blanche Jirak of Protivin hold their wedding photo, taken 73 years ago. (Photo by Samantha Ludeking)

“Everything there is to do, we’ve done together"

– Blanche Jirak

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