Funeral services for Frances E. Petrak, 92, of Pukwana, S.D. will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Thursday with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain.
Frances Elaine Petrak was born March 15, 1932 in Gann Valley to Amelia (Springer) Wooledge Weisner and Elisa Wooledge.
Frances and sister Fern attended grade school in Minnesota with Springer relatives after the death of their father when Frances was five years old. Frances traveled by train back and forth from Minnesota and the farm in Gann Valley. Frances graduated from Kimball High School in 1950. She then went on to get her teaching degree in 1952 from Northern State Teachers College and taught in several country schools in Brule County in the early 1950’s.
On July 5, 1954 Frances and William Petrak were united in marriage and celebrated 69 years of marriage before William’s death in February 28, 2023. To this union two children were born, Ted in 1960 and Tyler in 1968.
Frances was very active in the Porkettes, Prime Cattle Women (formerly known as the Cowbelles), Brule County Historical Society and Geneological Society.
Frances was a loving farm wife who enjoyed being part of the everyday operations with her husband Bill, whether it was tending to animals, making lunch for the guys, or simply riding along. She also took great pride in and cared for her large garden and several different flower beds. She was a proud and caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother that couldn’t wait to tell the neighbors a story, or show some pictures about what her family or grand-kids had been up to. Frances was a friend who shared a great interest in her friends and neighbors and was always happy to start a pot of coffee and put together a plate of goodies when someone would drive in the yard to visit. She also enjoyed playing card games with anyone who would play. She was always very willing to help anyone with anything, enjoyed being keeper of the peace, being the center of the family, and will be missed. Frances was truly a gift to be cherished.
Frances passed away on July 13, 2024 at Sanford Mid Dakota Hospital at the age of 92 years of age. She is survived by her two sons: Ted (Pamela), Chamberlain, and Tyler (Tiffany), Martin; grandsons: Tucker, Chamberlain; Tagg (Amy), Tate (Alexys) of Martin, and Haden Chase Alone, Nebraska; granddaughters: Baillie (Winston) Nowotny, White Lake, and Tarryn (Jordan) Cady, Tuthill. Great grandchildren: Tyke, Kort, Danni Jo Petrak, Oakley Cady and Rhett Nowotny, and a myriad of nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death: Her parents Amelia and Elisa, step father Fred Weisner, sister Fern Knutson and her husband William Petrak.