Susan Marie Kula Frischkorn

Susan Marie Kula Frischkorn

Cedar Rapids

Susan Marie Kula Frischkorn, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died at her home Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Aaron Junge. Burial: Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Prairieburg. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, where a rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and a vigil service will begin at 7 p.m.

Survivors include her children, Carol Frischkorn and husband, Nick Hoffman of Cedar Rapids; and Jeff Frischkorn of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Charles Frischkorn of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Patsy Russell of Coggon and Mary Theresa (Jon) Harris of Frisco, Texas; brother, Joe (Nola) Kula of Denver, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; parents, Stanley and Kathryn Kula; brother, Stephen Kula; and brother-in-law, Denny Russell.

Susan was born in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 4, 1945, the daughter of Stanley and Margaret Kathryn (Gassen) Kula. Upon graduating from Central City High School, Susan moved to Missouri and joined the Sisters of Saint Francis. Her studies to become a nun and the many charitable acts she undertook during those years further deepened her love of Christ. She especially loved teaching and working with children which inspired her move back to Cedar Rapids.

While attending Mount Mercy to earn her teaching degree, she met and fell in love with Ray Frischkorn. They married on April 24, 1971, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and had two children. Susan flourished as a wife and mother, and later a grandmother, knowing this was her true calling and embracing it all her life. She happily got involved in so many school activities, teaching CCD, a Girl Scout Leader for many years and so much more.

Susan took great pride in working for the City of Cedar Rapids. She was an administrative assistant at the Police Department, then at the Fire Department, where she retired after 30 years of service.

During retirement, Susan was very active at St. Wenceslaus Church, seeing so many opportunities to serve and not wanting to pass any of them up. She was a member of St. Bridget’s Circle, baked kolaches as a member of St. Monica’s Circle, delivered communion to the homebound, cooked for funeral luncheons, volunteered in the church office and much more. She was especially passionate in her work with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. A member for 14 years, holding the office of Regent and Vice-Regent as well, Susan was involved in countless charitable, faith-enriching activities.

Susan exemplified selflessness. Her strong faith and devotion to God was her guiding light through life. She always had time to talk and was the best listener. She found joy in connecting with others and helping them, whether it was sending a card in the mail to lift your spirits, a ride to a doctor’s appointment or a gift of some freshly baked banana bread.

A gentle spirit who lived her life to the fullest, Susan was a handmaid of the Lord. We take solace knowing she is in Heaven and that we will be together again someday in God’s Kingdom.

Susan’s family would like to give special thanks to the Oncology Team at UIHC, as well as Mercy Hospice services for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and gifts may be given to Susan’s family.