Rita Jirak

     Rita Jirak, age 83, of Little Turkey, IA, died on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Hampton, IA.       Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Little Turkey with Rev. Daniel Knipper presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.       Friends may call from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel, 201 Main Street in Fort Atkinson, and also after 9:30 a.m., at the church on Saturday morning.       The Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson is in charge of arrangements.      Rita Julia (Frana) Jirak was born on May 22, 1932, the daughter of Stephen and Frances (Havel) Frana near Spillville, IA. Rita attended school in Spillville and then graduated from Mount Mercy High School in Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1950. She was united in marriage to Arnold “Bud” Jirak on October 15, 1951, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, IA. Together they farmed near Little Turkey and raised ten children. Rita was a homemaker and enjoyed reading, crocheting, baking, gardening, playing Euchre and dancing. She was an avid Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. She enjoyed and loved visiting with her family and friends. Rita was a member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church and Rosary Society.      Rita is survived by her husband: Arnold “Bud” Jirak, Little Turkey, IA. Eight children: Quentin (Paula) Jirak, Oklahoma City, OK; Debbie (Al) Nebal, Dubuque, IA; Keith (Sharon) Jirak, Coon Rapids, MN; Denise (Lyle) Smith, Los Angeles, CA; Doreen (Doug) Wagner, Granbury, TX; Jeff (Mayra) Jirak, Phoenix, AZ; Brian (Theresa) Jirak, Oklahoma City, OK; and Francine (Kevin) Bauge, Silver City, IA. One daughter-in-law: Mary Jirak, Minneapolis, MN. Twenty-three grandchildren: Jamie Jirak, Kurt Jirak, Kristy Jirak, Evan Jirak, Ashley Ullom, Riane Jirak, Abbey Jirak, Shelly Jirak, Matt Nebel, Erin Nebel, Josh Wagner, Dusty Wagner, Bobbi Jean Smith, Jason Smith, Hannah Jirak, Brandon Jirak, Adam Jirak, Allie Waugh, Katie Gonzales, Max Jirak, Mitchell Bauge, Calvin Bauge and Katie Koch, and twenty-five great grandchildren. One sister: Frances O’Brien, Cedar Rapids, IA. One brother: Richard Frana, Calmar, IA. Sisters-in-law: Sandy Frana, Decorah, IA, and Rose Frana, Calmar, IA; Half-brother: Vince (Janell) Frana, Cadiz, KY, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.      Rita was preceded in death by her parents: Stephen and Frances (Havel) Frana. Two children: Shelly Jirak on Aug. 15, 1991 and Kevin Jirak on April 14, 2002. Step-mother: Agnes (Shindelar) Frana. Four brothers: Steven Frana, Walter Frana, Raymond Frana and Robert Frana. Two sisters: Marcella (Vernon) Lee and Mildred (Wilmer) Poshusta. Two sisters-in-law: Naomi Frana and Darlene (Melvin) Humpal. Brother-in-law: Gene O’Brien.