Frank R. Pitra

OSAGE - Frank R. Pitra, 94, of Osage, passed away Sunday (March 6, 2005) at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Frank Pitra was born June 11, 1910, at Bordulac, N. D., the son of Czech immigrants, Joseph and Amelia (Popelka) Pitra, who farmed in the area.

Frank moved to Osage in 1937. He spent most of his days in Iowa doing construction work. Frank served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, mainly in the European areas.

Frank was a longtime member of the Osage American Legion Post 278 and the Osage VFW Post 7920. Frank enjoyed playing cards with friends, especially the game of cribbage.

According to Frank's wishes, his body was cremated.

Graveside inurnment services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage, with the Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Military honors at the grave will be by Osage American Legion Post 278.

Frank is survived by two sisters, Stacia Balsley of Lehigh Acres, Fla., and Marjorie (Clarence) Brumm of Osage; local Osage nephew Richard (Karen) Brumm and family; and other numerous nieces and nephews out of state.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Amelia; his three sisters, Annie Riemers, Mary Fait, and Antionette Gorski; his three brothers, Joseph Pitra, Bert Pitra, and Stanley Pitra; and one local nephew, Joey Brumm.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage is in charge of the arrangements. (641) 732-3706.