2002: Vlach touched many lives in his 40-year career

Aug. 7, 2002 HARTINGTON—It would be hard to find many area residents whose lives were not touched in some way by Dr. Charles Vlach. Vlach died Sunday of an apparent heart attack.

In the 40 years Dr. Vlach lived in Hartington, he not only saved countless lives and delivered nearly 1,000 babies, but was never too busy to take time to read to preschool children. He demonstrated a genuine care and concern for people of all ages.

He spent 12 years as a Cub Scout Master and Scout Master in Hartington.

Jerry Wintz, Hartington, recalls the scout meetings and camp outs with Dr. Vlach.

“Without his dedication, our Scout program would never have succeeded,” Wintz said. “He made that a special time for me at that age. I have the greatest respect for him, not only as a professional and individual, but also for what he meant to me as a former Scout Master.”

Wintz said scouting dropped off after Dr. Vlach quit as Cub master, but has recently resurfaced again.

“When we wanted to get the Scouting program started again, we talked to him and he was very glad to see it had gotten off of the ground again,” Wintz said.

Dr. Vlach also served on countless community boards and committees, including the Planning Committee to build the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Parish Council, Holy Trinity School Board, and 12 years on the Hartington Public School Board.

He was instrumental in gaining public support in 1972 for the construction of the new public school building.

Don Miller, who served with him on the School Board, said Dr. Vlach’s expertise was far-reaching.

“He was a good school board member because he was always for the kids,” Miller said. “He was progressive and cared about the whole community in addition to being a good doctor. We will all miss him.”

Gerry Miller will also miss a good doctor, as well as a great friend.

“Our children were about the same ages, so our families grew up together,” he said. “He has been here so long and served us so well that we all took him for granted and didn’t realize and appreciate what he did and meant to our community until he became ill last year.”

Vlach was recognized in 1995 as Nebraska’s Family Physician of the Year. In 1985, he was honored as Hartington’s Community Service award winner.