Francis Alan Vrba

Francis Alan Vrba

Marengo

Francis Alan Vrba (Frank), 81, of Marengo, Iowa, passed away May 6, 2023, at Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo. Frank was surrounded by family and friends in his final days.

Frank is survived by his sister, Janice Philipp of Cedar Rapids; five children, Janet Vrba of Atlanta, Ga., Patty Fisher (Steve) of Grand Junction, Iowa, Frank J. Vrba of Sanborn, N.D., Bridget Gehring (Sean) of Marengo, and Robert Vrba (Michelle) of Des Moines; eight grandchildren, Nadia and Cael Fisher, Natasha and Justin Vrba, Chase and Emma Lea Werling, and Sarah and Robert Vrba; and two nieces, Jennifer and Samantha Philipp.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis M. and Ruth Vrba; his beloved sister, Catherine Jones; his brother-in-law, Mike Philipp; and former wives, Madeline Smith, Karen Vrba, and Kathleen Lea Lucas.

Francis “Frank” Alan Vrba was born Jan. 8, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Francis M. and Ruth Vrba. After graduating from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, Frank served in the Marines from 1960-1964 and in the reserves for an additional two years. While at Camp Pendleton in California, Frank met his first wife, Madeline Hart. This union brought three children: Janet, Patty, and Frankie. Their family resided in Swisher, Iowa, before settling on an acreage in Marengo, Iowa. After a divorce, Frank married Karen Rigel and had one son, Robert. After Karen’s untimely death, Frank met his life partner and love of his life, Kathleen Lucas. This marriage brought Frank a stepdaughter, Bridget, and his family was complete. Frank and Kathleen spent 33 years together before she also preceded him in death in 2013.

Frank had great memories of growing up on the family farm outside of Cedar Rapids. After serving in the military, he worked several jobs before retiring from Victor Manufacturing where he worked in maintenance. In his free time, Frank enjoyed the outdoors, being with family, training and riding horses, drawing, reading, and was a life-long learner. Frank had many colorful stories and a sense of humor that will be missed by his family and friends.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery, rural Fairfax, Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post 76 from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion Post 76, Marengo, an organization Francis strongly supported.