Anita Joan “Billie” Kobliska, 89, of Elkader, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at home surrounded by her family. She was born June 12, 1932, in Mason City to Frank and Beulah (Cross) Wagner. She graduated from Charles City High School, Charles City, IA.
Billie married Keith Kobliska on July 14, 1952, in Charles City. Four children were born to this union, Kathy, Cindy, Joni and David.
In 1957, Billie and Keith and family moved to a scenic farm bordering the Turkey River, north of Elkader. While Keith farmed, Billie was the bookkeeper for Schmidt’s Pharmacy for a short time before starting a long banking career at Central State Bank, retiring as a vice president. Through her passion for playing bridge, she made many life-long dear friends with the members of the “Bridge Club”.
She enjoyed following sports, especially men’s tennis. Family gatherings at the farm were especially dear to her heart. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world.
Billie is survived by her children, Kathy (George) Sadewasser of Iowa City, IA, Cindy (JP) Zapf of Littleport, IA, Joni (Mike) Zapf of Littleport, IA, David Kobliska of Elkader, IA; Eight grandchildren, Courtney (Neal) Bentley, Kelly (Brad) Carnes, Candyce (Scott) Marmann, Brandon (Melissa) Kobliska, Katie (Nick) Scherf, Nate (Cassie) Sadewasser, Jana (Jake) Warning, Molly (Andy) Zapf-Morarie; Fifteen great-grandchildren, Cassie Larson, Willow, Iris, Branch and Meadow Kobliska, Hayden Scherf, Doug, Bridget and Isaac Bentley, Celia, Michael and Tahlia Sadewasser, Elias Zapf-Morarie, William and Grace Warning; two sisters, Sandra (Gary) Hawbaker and Sara Larson.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Memorials may be directed to:
Hospice Support Foundation (founded by St. Croix Hospice)
Donations can be mailed to the following address:
Hospice Support Foundation
Attn: Mary Mimay
7755 3rd Street North, Suite 200
Oakdale, MN 55128
Or
UnityPoint St. Lukes’ foundation (Hospice Inpatient unit)
Online: https://igfn.us/form/oGbgGw
Visitation: 8:00 AM until Mass time Saturday, May 7, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader
Mass of Resurrection: Saturday, May 7, 2022, 9:30AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Rev. John Haugen as Celebrant.
Inurnment for Keith and Billie Kobliska: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.