Francis 'Frank' Michael Hraha

Francis 'Frank' Michael Hraha

March 8, 1932 - Jan. 17, 2010

HERNDON, Kan. -- Francis "Frank" Michael Hraha, 77, died Sunday (Jan. 17, 2010) at his home.

He was born March 8, 1932, to Michael Hraha and Leona (Croat) Hraha in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended St. Mary's grade school and high school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from Iowa State University. He served 3 1/2 years of active duty in the U.S. Army, part of the time being stationed in Germany in the 613 Field Artillery Battalion. He remained in the Army Reserve and National Guard for 30 years, retiring as a Colonel from the 103rd Coscom on the general staff.

In 1957 he married Shirley Malone. He worked at Farm Bureau Life and Health Insurance Company in Des Moines, Iowa, for 33 years before retiring as director of Life and Health Claims. On Dec. 9, 2000, he married Beth Hafner Chartier and moved to Herndon, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, George W. Hraha and one grandaughter, Tiffany (Hraha) Meyers.

Survivors include his wife, Beth Chartier Hraha; one son, Mike Hraha; three daughters, Tere and husband, David Rope, Mary Wessler and Beth and husband, Bob Egan; five stepchildren, Cathy and husband, Larry Alcorn, Cindy and husband, Elliot Cohn, Kenny Chartier and wife, Stacy, Cheryl and husband, Gerard Green and Robert Chartier and wife, Patti; one sister, Mary Ellen Plaehn; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial servies are Friday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon, Kan., with the Rev. Stephen Folorunso and the Rev. Daniel Scheetz officiating. Interment and graveside committal to follow at the church cemetery.

Visitation is Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and after 6 p.m. at the church. Parish rosary and vigil service is Thursday, at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to the St. Mary's Church in Herndon or Community Healthcare and Hospice of McCook.

Williams Funeral Home of Atwood is in charge of the arrangements.