Sophie Rita Flaska of Crete, formerly of Friend, was born May 19, 1930, in rural Weston, to Henry and Josie (Meduna) Bartek, the younger of two daughters. She passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 17, 2024, at Tabitha Skilled Nursing in Crete, surrounded by her children.
As a young girl, she attended Rural School District #74, located on the family farm. When the family moved to Wahoo, she attended Wahoo High School, graduating in 1948, and continued her education at Luther College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1950. She enjoyed teaching for 11 years – one year at Cedar Bluffs, seven years at Weston and three years at St. Wenceslaus Elementary. Summers found her working as a cashier at the Wahoo Swimming Pool. She was active in the Catholic religion throughout her life.
Sophie met the love of her life, Richard Flaska of Friend, at a polka dance at Starlite Ballroom, and was united in marriage on Aug. 22, 1961, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo. They made their home in Friend from that day on, and their union was blessed with five children – Ronita, Rick, Melanie, Starlene and Leannette. Special memories included big celebrations of their 10th, 25th, 35th, 40th and 45th wedding anniversaries, her 89th surprise birthday party and family gatherings. Richard passed away Oct. 2, 2006, after 45 years of marriage.
Sophie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, Saline County Area Retired Teachers, Without Partners and Warren Memorial Hospital Auxilary, holding numerous offices. She was news correspondent for the Catholic Register for many years, and enjoyed babysitting grandchildren, baking, dancing, collecting items, gardening and doing volunteer work for several organizations.
Her greatest joys in life were her family, husband Richard, her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.
She is survived by her five children, Ronita (Rick) Dewey, Rick, Melanie (Doug) Papik, Starlene (Mark) Benorden, and Leannette; 12 grandchildren, Ryan Dewey, Patrick (Megan) Dewey, Derek Dewey, Michael (Sara) Dewey, Chelsea (Kevin) Volkmer, Blake (Megan) Papik, Spencer Papik, Jaiden Papik, Kierra Papik, Nathan (Amber) Benorden, Alex (Bethany) Benorden and Ashley (Evan) True; 11 great-grandchildren-Elizabeth, Nicholas, Asher, Ignatia, Solaria, Owen, Wesley, Madelyn, Kraesyn, Jaxson, Ciera and great-grandchild #12 due in April.
Funeral mass was March 21 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friend with a graveside service at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for a future designation. Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services, Friend.
