Frances Helen Kotalik was born March 23, 1918 to Hattie (Vanecek) and Joseph Kotalik in their home near Tabor, SD. Frances, the eldest of ten children received her primary education at Elm Grove Country School. This solid fundamental education assisted her in teaching her Czech immigrant parents and siblings how to read and write English. She especially enjoyed writing and served as editor of her high school newsletter, The Woksape. Upon graduation with honors from Yankton High School, she was employed as proof and copy editor for the Yankton Press and Dakotan Newspaper. In addition, Frances was employed by First Dakota National Bank as a teller.

During her youth she entered into the Catholic faith through baptism and confirmation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, SD. On April 26, 1947 she was united in marriage to Harold J. Tacke at Sacred Heart Church. To this union nine children were born and all were raised on their farm west of Yankton. Their grandchildren and great-grandchild brought them joy beyond measure.

Frances and Harold farmed as a team growing a large garden, various grain crops, and raising livestock. Frances lovingly kneaded and baked five loaves of bread daily for her large family. On Sundays she baked a special treat of delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. Frances radiated humility with her sweet and gentle kindness and continually focused on the needs of others. Her witty humor brought joy to all. Her frugality permeated every material product used. Frances utilized her hands in many ways especially in sewing suits, garments and drapes.

As a 4-H parent, Frances spent countless hours encouraging children to explore their interests and develop their creativity through diverse projects. France treasured her many friendships and especially dear ones made with members of the Westside Home Extension Club. Her appreciation of the arts and music led to being an avid member of the Yankton Community Concert organization.

Frances expressed her devout faith through these words, "It is my dearest desire that every soul be born, and that each shall know Jesus and all His blessings". Frances leaves a lasting legacy of leadership in numerous faith based and civic organizations. Frances recognized the power of the rosary prayer and co-founded The Family Radio Rosary over 53 years ago. As treasurer, she was instrumental in assuring that it continues to air daily at 10:30 PM on Mix106 Radio station. As a member of the Rosary Makers, she initiated the making of cord rosaries that are sent to soldiers serving our nation both home and abroad. A lifelong leader of the Legion of Mary, Frances made an annual retreat to Chicago and reached out to the homeless and those less fortunate. She also hosted missionaries and foreign exchange students in her home.

Frances dedicated ten years of her life providing transportation to Mass for HSC patients. Frances served as members of: Catholic Daughters of America, St. Isadore Circle, Right to Life, Sacred Heart Parish, St. Benedict Parish and was a Perpetual Prayer Partner. Frances and Harold were inducted into the Sacred Heart School Hall of Fame in 1998.

Her memory is cherished by sons; William (Paula), David (Linda), Daniel, Michael, Thomas (Tamera), Mark, and Joseph Tacke; daughters; Mary Ann (Dr. Patrick) King and Lois (Thomas) Stillman; 21 Grandchildren and one great-grand child. Sisters; Viola (Pete) Petersen, Hattie (Lawrence) Walloch, Dorothy (Joe) Drotzmann, Delores (Bobby) Bohlmann. Brother, Erwin (Grace) Kotalik. Brother-in-Law; Leonard (Gladi) Tacke; sister-in-laws, Eileen Riordan, Margaret (LeRoy) Bierle, Leona (Marion) Kryger, Margie (Adolph) Kotalik and Grace (Erwin) Kotalik.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers; William, Adolph, Joseph, and Donald, and sister-in-laws; Helen Tacke, Frances Kotalik and brother-in-laws; Bobby Bohlmann, Lawrence Walloch and Pete Petersen.

Frances has requested memorials may be directed to the Harold and Frances Tacke Endowment Fund for Sacred Heart School, 1500 St. Benedict Drive, Room 103, Yankton, SD 57078, Radio Rosary, 30837 432nd Ave., Yankton, SD 57078, or a memorial fund.