Bernard Leo Francka Sr.

Bernard Leo Francka, Sr., age 84, Bolivar, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Bernard was born on April 23, 1932, the third of four children to Ben and Mary Ann "Mayme" (Stanek) Francka. He started school at Elm Grove District 69 and graduated from Bolivar High School in 1950, where he played football, contributed to Tiger Tracks, the school newspaper, and was a member of the Bolivar FFA. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was an airplane mechanic, stationed in Pensacola and Key West, Florida. In 1956, he met Barbara Sue Horton at a wedding reception dance of mutual friends. During their courtship, Bernard convinced the "city girl" to become a "farm wife" and they were married on August 17, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Springfield, Missouri. They were blessed to share almost 60 years together as husband and wife. He was devout in his faith as a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served as an extraordinary minister, administered Holy Communion to the homebound, and served on the Parish Council. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8931. Raising a family and being a good neighbor were foremost in his daily life. Milking cows, growing and harvesting crops, carpentry, mechanics, and many other skills were hallmarks of Bernard. In addition to his work on the family farm, he served as a board member of the Bolivar R-1 School Board, and Bolivar Farmers Exchange, and was a proud member of the American Legion Post 138. Surviving are his wife, Barbara; three children: Bernard Jr. and Cindy Francka; Raymond and Jane Francka; Amy and Brian Perkins; 11 grandchildren: B.L. Francka (Keli); Mallory Ramsey (Jesse); Samuel Francka (Faith); Matthew Francka (Erin); Danielle Emmons (Cole); Ally Murray (Josh); Larry Covert, Amy Hodges (Ben); Emily Wheelbarger (Zach); Brady and Reese Perkins; and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters: Sophia (Ed) Griesbaum; Elizabeth Kressig and in-laws: Ruth Francka, Bill (Mary) Horton; Pat (Belle) Horton; Clara Horton; Judy Horton; Charlie (Linda) Horton; Mary Ann Horton and good friend Virginia Mayeux, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding Bernard in death were his parents, his son, Daniel, and his brother, Ben Francka. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 29, from 5-7 pm, with The Rosary beginning at 7 pm, at the Butler Funeral Home, of Bolivar. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 30, at 10 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bolivar, with burial in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Bolivar. Memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 8931, PO Box 106, Bolivar, MO 65613.

Bernard Leo Francka Sr.

April 23, 1932 - March 25, 2017