Irene Olga Alexsuk

ALEXSUX, Irene Olga (Chorvat), 91, a lifelong resident of Masaryktown, passed away January 31, 2018.  Born the youngest of six on March 23, 1926 in Tarentum, Pennsylvania.  At the age of 3 Irene came with her family being among the first pioneers who founded the Masaryktown community.  While attending school she worked on her family’s farm graduating from Hernando High School in 1945.  On January 5, 1947, Irene married the love of her life, John.  They bought and moved an existing frame house built in Masaryktown onto land John purchased during his service in WWII, affectionately dubbed “The Honeymoon House,” and it is here where they began their small poultry and livestock farm.  A few years later they built a new home close by where they would remain for their entire lives raising their two children, Linda and Keith, and growing their farm to become at one time the third largest egg producers in the state of Florida.  In 1972 while still running the farm Irene and John purchased and remodeled the now historical landmark “Masaryktown Hotel” built by the first settlers and turned it into a restaurant that offered authentic Czech cuisine created by their head chief Vera Buchtan who became well known for her chicken dinner.  They would sell the restaurant later when running “it” and the farm became too much of a work load for them to handle, but the famous chicken dinner continued on for years after new owners from the community purchased it.  Irene loved and unselfishly supported the close-knit Masaryktown community.  She was a member of the Athletics Club, played on the girls softball team, helped to put on many children’s events as a member of the Recreation Club and volunteered endless hours working before, during and after the many events being held at the Masaryktown Community Center, be it the annual “Dinners,” Polka Parties, Holiday Events or putting together and selling Bingo packages.  Irene often recalled how much she enjoyed the Concertino Bands and dancing, or the years she and her group of friends would go bicycling every evening after finishing their jobs and how she looked forward to going to church on Sundays. 

Irene is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John; daughter, Linda Alexsuk; her parents, Emilia (Hrivnak) & Joseph Chorvat; two sisters,  Ann Hollash & Millie Struthers; three brothers, Stanley, Lewis & Joseph Chorvat.  She is survived by her son, Keith Alexsuk & his wife, Michelle; two grandchildren, Kevin Alexsuk of Jacksonville, Florida and Cheri & her husband Dwayne Mobley of Spring Hill, Florida; four great-grandchildren, Jane’a Mobley, Kevin Keith Alexsuk, Brianna Mobley & Zoe Alexsuk; any nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Visitation for family and friends will take place at 10:30am-11:00am, Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where Funeral Services will begin at 11:00am, with Pastor David Brockhoff officiating.  Burial will follow at Masaryktown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Masaryktown or Hospice of Hernando/Pasco.

Irene’s family would like to thank Pastor Dave Brockhoff, Dr. Adel Bishay and his staff, Hospice of Hernando/Pasco & CNA,

Monique Lee for all the care, support and compassion you showed Irene and her family.  Bless you all! 

ARRANGEMENTS BY

Merritt Funeral Home

Brooksville, Florida 34601

"Family Owned and Operated"

(352)796-6699

www.merrittfuneral.com