Sophie Rita Flaska

Sophie Rita Flaska of Crete, formerly of Friend, was born on May 19,1930 in rural Weston, Nebraska to Henry and Josie (Meduna) Bartek, the younger of two daughters.  She passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 17, 2024, at Tabitha Skilled Nursing in Crete surrounded by her children.  

As a young girl she attended Rural School District #74 located on the family farm.  When the family moved to Wahoo, she attended Wahoo High School graduating in 1948, and continued her education at Luther College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1950.  She enjoyed teaching for 11 years - 1 year at Cedar Bluffs, 7 years at Weston, and 3 years at St. Wenceslaus Elementary.  Summers found her working as a cashier at the Wahoo Swimming Pool. She was active in the Catholic religion throughout her life.

Sophie met the love of her life, Richard Flaska of Friend, at a polka dance at Starlite Ballroom, and was united in marriage on August 22, 1961, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo.  They made their home in Friend from that day on, and their union was Blessed with 5 children-Ronita, Rick, Melanie, Starlene, and Leannette.  Special memories included big celebrations of their 10th, 25th, 35th, 40th, and 45th Wedding Anniversaries, her 89th surprise Birthday party, and family gatherings.  Richard passed away on October 2, 2006, after 45 years of marriage.  

Sophie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, Saline County Area Retired Teachers, Without Partners, and Warren Memorial Hospital Auxilary, holding numerous offices. She was news correspondent for the Catholic Register for many years, and enjoyed babysitting grandchildren, baking, dancing, collecting items, gardening, and doing volunteer work for several organizations.

Her greatest joys in life were her family, husband Richard, her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.

She is survived by her 5 children-Ronita (Rick) Dewey, Rick, Melanie (Doug) Papik, Starlene (Mark) Benorden, and Leannette; 12 grandchildren-Ryan Dewey, Patrick (Megan) Dewey, Derek Dewey, Michael (Sara) Dewey, Chelsea (Kevin) Volkmer, Blake (Megan) Papik, Spencer Papik, Jaiden Papik, Kierra Papik, Nathan (Amber) Benorden, Alex (Bethany) Benorden, and Ashley (Evan) True; 11 great grandchildren-Elizabeth, Nicholas, Asher, Ignatia, Solaria, Owen, Wesley, Madelyn, Kraesyn, Jaxson, Ciera, and great grandchild #12 due in April.

There will be a Visitation from 2:00-8:00pm with family greeting and receiving friends and relatives from 5:00-7:00 pm. a Rosary being held at 7:00pm at the Lauber Funeral Home in Friend, NE, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friend, NE, starting at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 21, 2024. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed. Please click on the link next to the Funeral Mass tab below, 10 minutes prior to the service starting to tune in.

Graveside Service will be held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Friend, NE, following the Service.

Memorials are in care of the family for a future designation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sophie Rita Flaska, please visit our floral store.