Garnet F. Chaloupka, 95, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2017 at the Wilber Care Center, Wilber, Nebraska.
Garnet was born on November 17, 1921 to Lillie D. MacDonald Fleming and Oscar M. Fleming of Crooksville, Ohio. Garnet grew up on the family farm and graduated valedictorian of her class from McCluney High School in Crooksvile in 1939.
In 1941, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a secretary at the Rural Electrification Administration headquarters. She worked with REA in both Washington and St. Louis, Missouri. After the war, she continued her secretarial work at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska for several years.
It was in St. Louis that she met Francis J. Chaloupka, a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Forces. They were united in marriage in St. Louis on April 16, 1943. After the war ended, they made their home and raised a family in Wilber.
A talented seamstress, Garnet enjoyed tailoring and making clothes for her family and herself. She loved to travel with her family, and also enjoyed history, reading, music, nature and the outdoors.
Garnet was preceded in death by her husband Francis, daughter Jean C. Kennemore and grandson Daniel T. Kennemore, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Paul, Russell, Shelley, Robert, and H. Carl Fleming; sisters Hazel Paxson and Ann Adams.
She is survived by daughter Kim A. Chaloupka of Seattle, Washington and grandson Stacey B. Kennemore of Tulsa, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She is interred at Wilber Czech Cemetery following a graveside service on Friday, October 20, 2017 that was officiated by Pastor Lila Bottolfsen of Wilber United Methodist Church.
Memories and condolences may be left on her online obituary page at Kuncl Funeral Home, www.kunclfh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
Kuncl Funeral Home, Wilber is in charge of arrangements.