Trustees Honor Roll

Kausek, John

Polka Photographer (1928- 1980)
Inducted on November 25, 1995

John Kausek gave generously of his time and talents to the Cleveland-Style Polka community. Photographer of choice for Slovenian weddings, John wove his magic with Cleveland-Style orchestra publicity photos, album covers, unique pieces like the "Great Eight" portraits gracing Miskulin's Lounge, and archive shots of American-Slovenia cultural events. In poem, John penned "A Slovenian Happening," depicting Johnny Pecon Day in 1975; "Polka Heaven," the recorded tribute to Pecon; and "The American Slovene -- A Tribute of My Father." A major figure in Slovenian organizations. John was honored posthumously by the Federation of Slovenian Homes in 1981. John's words passionately express gratitude and reverence to our forefathers -- "You bless us with our heritage" -- and a mandate to the next generation -- "Go and play the music - and play it like your Dad."