This years get-together was an impromptu gathering after hearing of several of the Lipovsek 's being in town for the Arma Homecoming week-end. 
 

Sunday, August 26, 2001 (This article appeared in the Pittsburg Morning Sun)

Family gathers at Arma

A family gathering of the descendants of Frank and Mary Cukjati Lipasek and Filip and Johanna Franketi Liposek was held Aug. 11 at the home of Scotty and Phyllis Liposek Bitner, Arma.

Frank and Filip Lipovsek, sons of Andreas and Anna Podbelsek Lipovsek, came to the United States from Slovenia in 1905 and 1906.

Frank Lipovsek lived with a sister in Fleming for a short time before moving to Franklin.

Filip Lipovsek first settled in Skidmore, then came to Franklin in 1913.

The reunion started with family members attending the Arma V-J Homecoming parade.

Descendants attending the event, ranging in age from 6 to 93, were Frances A. Maxwell, Bridgeview, Ill.; Ronnie and Mary Ann Lepoglow Tims, Arma; Jessica Tims, Arma; Mitzi and Kenzie Tims, Arma; Rose Ella Lepoglow, Arma; Joe and Anna Mae Lipasek, Pittsburg; Frank and Ann Lipasek, Chicago, Ill.; Jack Lipasek, Marietta, Ga.; Randy and Vickie Lipasek, Westmont, Ill.; Josephine Lipasek Barton, Girard; Melvin and Della Hohl, Pittsburg; Stephanie Hohl, Pittsburg; Ed and Donna Polchlopek, Girard; Jennie Lipasek Fontaine, Peculiar, Mo.; Mike Gerant, Peculiar, Mo.; Melissa Kennedy, Bentonville, Ark.; Gene and Billie McCloud, Brittany and Cody McCloud, Shreveport, La.; Marilyn and Larry Sinclair, Arma, Ks.

Friends attending were Frank Pier and Allen Pier, Des Plaines, Ill.; Angelo Bualle, Arma; Andy and Alvina Kmetz, Arma; and Mike, Lori and Katelyn Bitner, Frontenac.

Pictures were taken and family genealogy, dating back to the early 1700s in Slovenia, was shared, along with stories of early friendships from the Arma/Franklin area.

This was followed by a fried chicken dinner from Gebhardts.

Family members spent the week visiting family graves in local cemeteries, old home sites and local attractions, including the Big Brutus Mining Museum at West Mineral.

Plans are being made for a another reunion in 2002.

Any friends or relatives having any photos or stories about the Lipovsek family are asked to contact Phyllis Bitner, 620-347-8387, or e-mail at memrylane@yahoo.com.

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