Frances Kucera, of Lead, passed away the night of April 5, 2014, at the age of 80, at the Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital. She was surrounded by family and loved ones when she passed peacefully in her sleep.

Frances was born November 19, 1933 in Lead, SD. She attended St. Patrick' s Elementary School and graduated from Lead High School in 1951. She married Frank Kucera in Lead on April 12, 1953 then moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where Frank served in the Air Force. She moved back to Lead in 1955 where she raised her family and lived until her death. She first worked as a Telephone operator for Bell Telephone and then as secretary to the Personnel Manager at Homestake for 19 years. After she retired from Homestake she worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Deadwood at the Interpretative Center greeting and directing tourists. She enjoyed working outside the home but was also a wonderful homemaker, wife and mother.

Frances was an active contributor to the local community for as long as her health permitted, frequently volunteering her time at the Free Store or stopping by the high school to cheer on the Diggers. She also enjoyed playing cards, and only cheated most of the time. She was also known for her humorous one liners and at the end said " I'm a tough old crowbait-bet you kids didn't know that". More than anything, she was proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Peerboom and brother, James.

Frances is survived by her husband of over sixty years, Frank Kucera, as well as their four children: Cheryl (Dean) Vomhof, Jack (Vianne) Kucera, Scott (Robyn) Kucera, and Marianna (Todd) Morrison. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and one cockatiel, all of which will miss her dearly.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, April 11, 2014 at St. Patrick' s Catholic Church in Lead. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Patrick's Altar Society or the American Lung Association of South Dakota. Any memorial gifts may be sent to St. Patrick's Catholic Church 141 S. Siever St. Lead, SD 57754.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.