Jacob "Dutch" Paul Cukjati II, of Joplin, Mo., formerly of Arma, Kan., died at 2:50 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2006, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Fleming, Kan., on August 26, 1912, the son of Jacob and Apolonia (Peterline) Cukjati. On May 24, 1941, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Marie Komac of Frontenac, Kan. she survives of the home. In 1942, Dutch joined the U.S. Army and served proudly in the European Theater, primarily with the 503rd Ordinance Group a true band of brothers whose missions was to repair everything from toasters to tanks. Jacob enjoyed attending the 503rd Reunion. He was also a member of American Legion Lon Helm Post in Arma, Kan. After the war, Dutch enjoyed a successful career in the wholesale food business in Pittsburg, Kan., and the surrounding area. Starting in 1928, he was first a salesman and then a director of the Arma Elevator Company located in Arma and later in Pittsburg, Kan., until the company liquidated in 1978. After a brief three week retirement, he joined The Marrone Food Company until finally retiring in 2001. From 1938 to 1941, Dutch owned and operated the Trianan Ballroom in Croweberg, Kan., and entertained the local area with such known bands of the time as Lou Breeze, Harlan Leonard, and Jack Everette. Dutch was the director of Arma State Bank and also owned a grocery store in Redfield, Kan., into the mid 1970's. Jacob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth sons, Jacob Paul Cukjati III and wife, Lori, of Pensacola, Fla., and Larry Cukjati of Overland Park, Kan. daughter, Carole Beth "C.B." Eastman and husband, Kent, of Joplin, Mo. sister, Mary Reda of Overland Park, Kan. three grandchildren, Natalie, Jacob Paul II and Matthew Cukjati. Dutch was preceded in death by his parents brothers, Paul, Joe, John, Frank and August and a sister, Fannie Karlinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2006, at the Sacred Heart Church in Frontenac, Kan., with Father Justin Monaghan as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Frontenac, Kan. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. tonight, April 26, 2006, at the Friskel Funeral Home, Frontenac, Kan., with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. friends can call the funeral home after 2 p.m. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Friskel Funeral Home, 230 E. McKay, Frontenac, Kan. In lieu of flowers, the family of Jacob Cukjati II suggest expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to St. John's Hospice. Memorials may be brought or mailed to Friskel Funeral Home, 230 E. McKay, Frontenac, KS 66763.