Shonka, Frances Alice

Frances Alice Shonka, 79, of Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, April 18, 2011, from complications of diabetes at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. Celebration of Life services and Mass: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, by the Rev. Tom McDermott. Burial: St. John Cemetery. A vigil service will be held at Teahen Funeral Home, where friends may visit Monday, April 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday after 9 a.m. at the church.

Frances was born Oct. 5, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Felix and Lucy (Butler) Simkavitz. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1949 and married Leland (Lee) Shonka at St Patrick Catholic Church on June 9, 1951.

Frances, mother of five, enjoyed her family, friends, traveling, entertaining, gardening, decorating her homes, golfing and collecting Blessed Mary Virgin statues, and cook books. Her greatest joys were holidays with family, traveling to see her children, trips to Ireland, Hawaii and New York. She enjoyed attending Iowa State University football games (where four of their children graduated) in their motor home, Arizona Cardinal games and the Orange, Cotton, Fiesta, Rose bowl games with Lee. She was looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in June.

Frances and Lee were members of St. Ludmila's Parish for 35 years. Frances was involved with St. Ludmila's Parish. She sang in the choir, was a member of several women's groups, parish council, volunteered, and was on the Kolach Festival Committee. She attended Coe College, worked at Craemers, Killian's and Von Maur retail stores.

In 1986, they moved to Mesa, Ariz., where they belonged to St. Bridget's Parish and enjoyed social gatherings with fellow parishioners.

Frances, beloved wife, is survived by her husband, Lee; son, Dan (Peggy) of Cedar Rapids; four daughters, Debra (Rich Barta) Shonka-Barta of Eagan, Minn., Christy Shonka of Mesa, Ariz., Carol (Eric) Wentworth of Tiburon, Calif., and Nancy (David) Padberg MBA of Santa Monica, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Teddy, Richie, Alex, Matthew, Trenton, Jack and Nina; a great-grandson, Timmy; a sister, Judy Hensley of Cedar Rapids; special aunt and godmother, Kathleen Daugherty, and special cousin, Marlene Smejkal, both of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Lucy and Felix; two brothers, Joseph and Hubert; and two sisters, Donna and Delores.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

A memorial fund has been established for Frances's favorite organizations.