Willia D. Havranek

Willia Havranek

Willia Doris Havranek, age 91, of Atkinson, passed away, Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Parkside Manor in Stuart.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church in Atkinson with Pastor Wayne Owens officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Jean Mellor, and the congregation participating in singing.

Pallbearers will be Francis Havranek, Donald Havranek, Jerry Havranek, Jim Farnik, Bradd L. Havranek and Bill Hoppe.

Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson is in charge of arrangements.

Willia D. Havranek was born on the Oct. 21, 1920, at Foster, to Anna (Cotton) and Charles E. Broeker.

After their mother tragically died in child birth, she and her little sister, Dorothy, were raised by their Uncle and Aunt, DeWitt and Anna Cotton of Stuart.

Willia grew to adulthood in the Stuart/Atkinson area. After graduating from Atkinson High School, she attended college for two years and then taught for many years in the rural area schools. She was an elementary school teacher.

On March 10, 1948, Willia married Louis James Havranek, a World War II combat veteran, in Norfolk. They lived and farmed in the Atkinson area for their entire married life of  57 years. In their later years, they enjoyed their travels. They visited each of the 50 states, an accomplishment Lou was so very proud of.

Willia suffered from Alzheimer's disease for the last 10 years of her life. This horrible illness tragically robbed her of all her cherished memories. She spent her last years at Parkside Manor in Stuart where she received loving care. Her "brilliant" light is gone and will be forever missed.

Willia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry L. and Billie Jean of San Diego, CA; two grandsons: Bryon and wife, Laurie of Lemon Grove, CA, and Bradd of Yulee, FL; her great-granddaughter, Katya Havranek of Lemon Grove, CA; her sister, Evelyn Dvorak of Atkinson; sister-in-law, Blanche Havranek of O'Neill; and many loving nieces and nephews. She also leaves many old and dear friends to mourn her passing.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lou; son, Jimmie; her brother, Carl; sisters: Viola, Vivian and Dorothy; her parents, Anna and Charles.

Remembrances may be sent to the Alzheimer's Foundation in Willia's name.