Richard Frana

Monday, June 19, 2017 3:57 pm

Richard Frana, 94, of Calmar, died Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at his home near Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 19, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating. Organist was Jeanette Dietzenbach. Cantor was Dan Silhacek. The St. Aloysius Choir sang “Here I am, Lord,” “Taste and See,” “Knebesum,” “Goin’ Home” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” Lector was Kristi Einhorn. Mass servers were Sydney Becker, Gabby Becker and Connor Frana. Eucharistic ministers were Kathy, Ryan Becker, Lois Poshusta and Althea Murphy. Offertory gift bearers were Erin Frana, Kathleen Moss and Ryann Raynor. Casket bearers were Ryan Becker, Kelly Frana, Jeff Einhorn, Gregory Frana, Tom Frana, Ted Frana, Daniel Frana, Jacob Raynor and Daniel Moss. Interment was at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, Calmar. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, Calmar.

Richard (Dick) Damas Frana was born on the family farm near Spillville Dec. 11, 1922, the fourth of nine children of Stephen and Frances (Havel) Frana. Dick attended school in Spillville and graduated from Decorah High School. He married the love of his life, Naomi Houdek, Sept. 6, 1944. They were married for almost 70 years. Five children were born to this union. Dick found the world a fascinating place. Farming was his calling. He particularly enjoyed spring – the planting of the crops, the young animals being born, and watching everything grow. In his later years he would cruise the area checking on the progress of the crops. The farm and family he built with his beloved Naomi were his life. He was tied to that land that was his part of the world, and he cherished it. Family was always a priority. He was a devoted husband and father, wanting to be surrounded by family whenever possible. He always surprised his family with his excellent recall of the details and circumstances surrounding events of the past. His Czech heritage flavored his conversations with family, teaching words, phrases, and nursery rhymes to even the youngest great-grandchildren. He was also a man of strong faith. He had the gift of gab and could carry on a conversation with anyone. His sense of humor was a delight to all who knew him. He also served his community for many years as Calmar Township trustee and was a member of the St. Aloysius Parish Council.

Richard’s legacy is carried on by his three sons: Gary (Lois) Frana, Calmar; Fritz (Mary “Cece”) Frana, Bloomington, Minn.; and Mark (Lesley) Frana, Delmar, Md.; grandchildren: Kelly (Brenda) Frana, Kathy (Ryan) Becker, Kristi (Jeff) Einhorn, Greg (Toni) Frana, Erin Frana, Kathleen (Daniel) Moss, Ryann (Jacob) Raynor and Daniel Frana; 14 great-grandchildren: Connor and Bailee Frana; Sydney, Gabby, Annika and Elliot Becker; Aidan, Lance, Trystan and Wyatt Einhorn; Ellie and Presley Frana; Liam Moss and Evelyn Raynor; sister, Francis O’Brien, Cedar Rapids; sisters and brothers-in-law: Julie (Cullen) Schwemer, Winona, Minn.; Richard Groux, Austin, Texas; Rose Frana, Calmar; and Sandy Frana, Decorah; half-brother, Vince (Janell) Frana, Cadiz, Ky.; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Frana, March 14, 2014; son, Danny Frana, Aug. 26, 1967; daughter, Patricia Frana, Oct. 20, 2012; parents, Stephen and Frances (Havel) Frana; step-mother, Agnes (Shindelar) Frana; four brothers: Steven Frana, Walter Frana, Raymond (Alice) Frana and Robert Frana; three sisters: Marcella (Vernon) Lee and Mildred (Wilmer) Poshusta, Rita (Bud) Jirak; brother-in-law, Gene O’Brien; brother and sisters-in-law: Rosemary Groux and Germaine (Joe) Izydorek.