1929-2024
Frances Catherine Chaloupka, 94, of Yale, daughter of W. Everett and Frances P. (Renfrow), was born July 21, 1929, in Des Moines. The Lord called her home Sunday, March 24, 2024, at New Homestead in Guthrie Center.
Frances spent her early years in the Linden area, but as her parents moved further north in Guthrie County, she attended school in Bagley several years. Her final school years were spent attending Yale High School. As a child, she loved to ride her horse, and basketball was her favorite sport. She and Vernon married shortly after graduation and began their life together on the farm. Frances was given an opportunity to work part time at Farmers State Bank in Yale. That eventually led to full-time employment that spanned more than 35 years. Along with raising their five daughters, Frances was also very involved in Eastern Star and United Methodist Women, particularly the annual turkey dinner every Thanksgiving. Gardening and baking were two of her passions, along with a good card game where she was extremely competitive. Every daughter and grandchild has a handmade quilt Frances constructed after retirement in 1994. During the 73 years of marriage, Frances and Vernon enjoyed traveling, square dancing and weekly bowling league. When it came to music and sporting events of both her children and grandchildren, she made every effort to be there.
Frances is survived by five daughters: Catherine (Joe) Thompson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carolyn (Michael) Deardorff of Broomfield, Colorado, Connie Chaloupka (Mike Johnston) of Bagley, Celia (Tim) Morey of Tallahassee, Florida, and Cheryl Humphrey of Cary, North Carolina; 10 grandchildren: Laura Wining, Kimm Deardorff, Clinton Blackburn, Andrea Klein, Anthony Blackburn, Lindsey Morey, Travis Morey, Chelsey Parsons, Lewis Humphrey and Jacob Humphrey; and 18 great grandchildren.
Frances was deeply loved by all who came in contact with her. She was the heart and soul of her family. There wasn’t a child she didn’t greet with a hug. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, her parents, and grandson, Daniel Blackburn.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in Richland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.