EDWARD L. KAFKA

Edward L. Kafka, Pierre, formerly of Dante, was born on December 21, 1929 in Charles Mix County to Frank and Clara (Hron) Kafka. He passed away peacefully on June 21, 2020 at Avera Mary House in Pierre attaining the age of 90.

Mass of Christian Burial was at the church Thursday, June 25 with burial following at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Dante, with military honors. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of local arrangements.

He grew up on the family farm and attended Lawrence #4 Country School for eight years. He went to Wagner High School for two years and then stayed home to help on the family farm. He was drafted into the US Army in October 1951 spending time with boots on the ground in Korea. He was honorably discharged October 13, 1953 after receiving an injury, he was awarded the Purple Heart along with other medals for combat service. He received his GED while in the Service, before returning home to work on the family farm.

He married Marjorie A. Pravecek June 28, 1955 at the Tabor Catholic Church. Together they worked the family farm south of Dante and later Ed managed the Dante Farmers Elevator. After that he ran Ed’s Bar in Dante and then retired. In his retirement he worked for the City of Dante mowing the City grounds, playing cards, and listening to bohemian music. He was known for his craftsmanship in woodworking and was especially proud of the replica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church to commemorate its 100 year anniversary in 2010. He could also be seen showing his wonderful garden.

In 2014 he moved to Pierre. He then enjoyed fishing, Bingo and watching the great grandchildren at various activities. A highlight was being chosen to attend a Mid-west Honor Flight to Washington, DC in September 2019 and visit the war memorials with fellow Korean War Veterans.

He was a member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Dante and St Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Pierre, he served on the Dante church council, served on the Lawrence Township board and was a Lawrence Township school board member. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7319, lifetime member of the DAV, Arthur H Muchow #1 Chapter, President of the local and state Catholic Workmen and a member of the Dante Lake Club.

Ed is survived by his children: Donald and wife Susan, Council Bluffs, IA, Gary and wife Diane, Pierre, Renee Moysis and friend Greg Lee, Kenneth, Sioux Falls and Laurie Lear and husband Jim, Jacksonville, FL; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; sister Leona Horst, Yankton; sister-in-law Alyce Kafka, Wagner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, parents, a brother, Felix and a son-in-law Dave Moysis.