FRANCIS CUKA

Francis Cuka, 90, of Wagner, died Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner, surrounded by his family. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 1 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial is in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Wagner, with military honors. Visitation is at the church on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary/Wake service at 7 p.m.

Francis was born April 1, 1932 in Wagner to Frank and Pauline (Varilek) Cuka. He attended Wagner Public School. After school, Francis joined the United States Air Force, spending a year in Greenland. He was honorably discharged in 1952; he then came back to Wagner to run the family farm. In 1954 he married Mildred Swatek and began their lifelong journey together.

Francis was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Wagner VFW.

He is survived by his 13 children: Michael (Judy) of Lake Andes, Eileen (Tim) Sorsen, Plankinton, Denise (Terry) Keogan, Watertown, Diane (Doug) Degen, Mitchell, Doug (Adelia), Vale, Gregg (Susan) Chino Valley, AZ, Ron (Nancy) Wagner, Roger (Stephenie) Wagner, Janis (Dan) London, Mt. Vernon, Lynn (Barry) Overby, Sioux Falls, Barb (Dennis) Laib, Armour, Randy (Manuela) Waynesboro, PA, Jeff (Casey) Gladstone, ND; 36 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; his sister Patricia Dierks of Sioux Falls; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mildred, an infant son, his infant brother, sister Dorothy (Sam) Hoff, brother William (Irene) Cuka and Jacque Dierks.