Frank Kafka

Frank E. Kafka (87) passed away November 7, 2020 in Denver, Colorado.  Frank was born on June 3, 1933 in Walsenburg, Colorado to Bertha (Giecek) and Frank J. Kafka.  He was the 2nd of 6 children. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Frances (Gerstner); parents and siblings, Edna (Lindahl), Bobby, June (Broadway), Barbara (Corsaro) and Billy.

Frank lived in Denver for most of his childhood.  He attended St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School and Holy Family High School.  Frank joined the US Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Norfolk, VA on board the newly- commissioned aircraft carrier the USS Forrestal.

After his time in the service, Frank returned to Denver and married his first love, Mary Frances. He began his career at IBM, attended evening classes at Regis University and earned a business degree.  Together they raised 4 children and niece, Patty, sharing with them the beauty of the Colorado outdoors on numerous family fishing, boating, hiking and camping trips.   Sadly, Frances succumbed to cancer in 1975.

During his time at IBM, Frank made many life-long friends.  Most importantly, he met and fell in love with Norma Kerry.  They were married in 1977 and moved the family to Littleton, Colorado.

Soon after, they embarked on a new adventure as hot air balloonists.  At age 53, Frank retired from IBM and began his second career as a commercial hot air balloon pilot.  Ballooning took Norma and Frank to places around the country and the world.  Over the years Frank held a number of positions in the Colorado Balloon Club including secretary, vice-president and president. He was a founding board member of the Chatfield Balloonport Association which created a permanent launch field at Chatfield State Park.  He recruited other balloonists and initiated an annual tradition of giving rides to patients at Craig Hospital.  Frank and Norma attended countless balloon events across the state and country. Frank flew hundreds of people, trained pilots and even had weddings on board!  So many wonderful friendships were made in the ballooning community.

Frank took tremendous pleasure in singing and performing.  He spent decades singing in church and community choirs.  He was able to pursue his passion for travel and adventure while touring and singing with the St. Frances Cabrini church choir.  He was especially thrilled to perform at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center in New York, St. Peter’s in Rome, and Red Rocks Amphitheater.  He felt honored to be asked to sing the National Anthem at several annual balloon festivals.

For over 20 years, Frank participated in the annual Magic Moments, Inc. musical theater production.  He loved performing, building sets and making props while being part of an incredible community of people of all ages and abilities.  He treasured the relationships he made with the beautiful folks he met through the organization.

Frank will always be remembered as living life joyfully.  He was a fun-loving, kind, compassionate, happy person who was always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand.  He was artistic and creative.  He often wrote and shared poems or songs to commemorate various occasions.  He drew, painted and made beautiful copper etchings.  He built furniture and even a boat.   He was known for his elaborate Christmas and Halloween decorations!

Frank maintained his positive attitude and sense of humor to the very end. He was resilient and always persevered even as his health was failing. He was determined to live his life to the fullest.  He was a great example of how to live life well.  He loved and adored his family!  He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren!  He is survived by his loving wife Norma (Kerry); children Dana Kafka (Sandy), David Kafka (Dawn), Judene Kopatich (Mike), Deanne Holzman (Doug); 12 grandchildren, Kristina (John), Alexandra, Monica (Ryan), Corey, Kate, Emma, Connor, Cooper, Anna, Casey, Cullen and Erin; 3 great-grandchildren, Hunter, John and Charlotte; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Frank leaves a legacy of love and laughter in our lives.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Littleton on Thursday, November 19 at 11:30.  A private service for the family will follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.  If friends prefer to attend the Mass virtually, it will be live-streamed. Live stream link listed at the bottom of this page.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the Hallmark Nursing Center staff who lovingly cared for Frank during the last year of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to his beloved Magic Moments Inc. organization:  https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?donation=mmi