Person:Frank Lestina (1)

From the June 21, 1928, edition of the Monona (IA) Leader

Frank Lestina

Frank Lestina, one of the best known and most highly respected pioneers of this section of Iowa, passed away at his home early Friday evening, after an illness which was of two years duration, though his condition was not considered serious until recently.

Frank Lestina was born in Zvikov, Bohemia, on January 5, 1860, and was one of a family of six children. The family came to this country in 1869, settling on a farm in Clayton County. On June 22, 1879, Frank Lestina was married to Catharine Tinker, who with seven children survive him. Mr. and Mrs. Lestina made their home on a farm near Beulah, where they lived until 1917, when they moved to Monona.

Nine children were born to this union, two dying in infancy. Those surviving are: Mrs. Frances Papachek, Warwick, N.D., Mrs. Anna Klima, Milwaukee, Wis., Mrs. Kathryn Marovets of Bassett, Iowa, Mrs. Rosa Klima, Edward and Ben Lestina, and Mrs. Mary Blietz, all residing near Monona; also a sister, two brothers, twenty-two grandchildren and two great-grand-children.

Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's church at 9:45 o'clock Tuesday morning. In the absence of Father Donlon, Pastor, Requiem High Mass was celebrated by Rev. P. Hogan of Postville. The Gregorian Requiem was chanted by the choir of St. Patrick's, under the direction of Miss Evelyn Klima, grand-daughter of Mr. Lestina, and who also presided at the organ. A highly instructive discourse was given by Rev. Hogan, who also paid fitting tribute to the life and memory of the deceased pioneer. At the close of the service, Miss Evelyn Klima sang "Peace Be Still" while the remains were born from the church.

Pallbearers were: Joseph Wagner, Joseph Lotza, James Geraghty, Dan Doody, Martin Vlazny and Frank Sudol. Interment was made in the cemetery adjoining St. Wenceslaus church at Beulah, services at the graveside being conducted by Father Hogan.

Spiritual bouquets and floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Out of town relatives attending the funeral were: Mrs. Tom Wesley of Lamont, Iowa, John Tinker and family of Strawberry Point, Mrs. Wm. Kozelka and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Samek of Postville, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rod of Prairie du Chien, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. John Marovets and children of Bassett, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Klima and daughter of Milwaukee.

CARD OF THANKS

In our bereavement our hearts turn with gratitude to those kind neighbors and friends who assisted us and manifested their sympathy in so many ways during the sickness and death of our beloved husband and father. We thank each one sincerely.

MRS. KATHERINE LESTINA AND FAMILY