Sonka, Frances Barbara

Frances Barbara Sonka, 93, was led home by her Guardian Angel on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013. As per her wishes, her body was donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

A Memorial Mass will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Frances' connection with St. Wenceslaus Church goes back several generations, her grandparents Sonka being the first couple married in the church in 1874. Papich-Kuba Funeral Service, Cedar Rapids, is serving the family.

Fran was born Nov. 21, 1919, to John and Frances (Shramek) Sonka, on a farm near Cedar Rapids. As a youth, she began her love of music by playing in Al Gerardi's and Elmer Young's accordion bands. This continued through the music and dance lessons in which she enrolled her children.

Her many activities reflected her love of being with people. Fran was a member of the Air Force Mothers' Club, Catholic Daughters of America, Daughters of Isabella, National Catholic Society of Foresters, St. Monica's Circle and the Nova Club with her 1975 Chevy Nova.

She volunteered for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, Red Cross, St. Luke's Hospital, Starry School and the Festival of Trees as Mrs. Claus.

She entertained frequently and loved to make people laugh, living up to her nickname, “Sunshine.” When someone did a favor for Fran, she baked kolaches to repay them.

Fran had a sense of adventure, having ridden in a helicopter, hot air balloon and the Batmobile with Batman. She graduated from Corrine Shover's Modeling School and attended classes at Cornell and Kirkwood colleges. Her travels included Mexico, Europe and all over the U.S.A. She was on Art Linkletter's show in Los Angeles and was blessed at the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Mercy in Washington state.

She is survived by a son, Francis (Cecilia) Rohlena of Littleton, Colo.; two daughters, Barbara Ashbacher of Cedar Rapids and Patricia (Dick) Semelroth of Hiawatha; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a goddaughter, Irene Parr of Blairstown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, four brothers and a son-in-law, Garland Ashbacher.

Fran was married to Frank Rohlena from 1938 until they divorced in 1976.

The family thanks the dedicated and caring staffs of Willow Gardens and Hospice of Mercy for their compassionate support. Thanks also to the homebound Eucharistic ministers from St. Wenceslaus and St. Joseph's in Marion for bringing communion to Fran in the care center.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Mercy, Camp Courageous or the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under “obituaries.”

Published Aug. 11, 2013 in The Gazette