Rosemary (Rosie) Franek, 88

Rosemary "Rosie" Franek, age 88, of New Prague, sadly passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Mala Strana Healthcare Center.  Rosemary was born on February 13, 1936, in Wheatland Township, Rice County, to William F. and Mary Tupy, the youngest of four with three older brothers.  She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School.  She went on to work at Queen of Peace Hospital for many years.  Rosie married Leonard Franek on September 18, 1956.  The couple was blessed with and raised three daughters on their beautiful family farm.

 Rosemary and Leonard would take road trips to Nebraska to enjoy dancing and listening to Czech music and celebrating Polka Days.  Rosie was devout in helping with life on the farm and doing chores.  She always had fun playing euchre with friends and family members.  She took delight in gardening and baking treats for her loved ones.  Rosie was continually entertained by television shows in particular “I Love Lucy”, “The Andy Griffith Show”, “Everybody Loves Raymond”, and her most favorite, “Judge Judy”, which she would watch every afternoon.  Rosie had a deep love of cats and dogs in her life; she would find the time and a spot to pet them contentedly.  She found pleasure lounging on her deck listening to birds sing and watching the traffic go by.  Rosie would never turn down the opportunity to enjoy ice cream.  She appreciated talking on the phone with her dear friends about life’s happenings.   In any spare quiet time, Rosie would work on word finds at her kitchen table.  Holidays were a highlight for Rosie; she would do anything to make them extra special and Christmas was the ultimate celebration.  Rosie has always been a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She thoroughly loved spending time and being involved with her daughters, four granddaughters and one grandson; her family eternally enriched her life.  Rosie’s beloved presence is missed immensely, and we will cherish every precious memory spent together.

 Rosemary is survived by her daughters, Donna (Brian) Eshleman of New Prague, and Karen Hinderscheit of New Prague; grandchildren, Cassie, Tiffany, and Megan Hinderscheit, Chelsea and Carson Zerr; brother, George Tupy of California. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard on May 25, 1998; her parents; daughter, Debbie Franek Zerr; brothers, Donald, Bernard, and Stanley (in infancy).

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating.  Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home Tuesday morning from 9-10:30 a.m.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall.  

bruzekfuneralhome.com