Mona Lee (Kluszczynski) Kafka

Mona Lee Kafka, age 75, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at her home in New Carlisle with her family by her side.  Mona was born February 26, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana.  On October 8, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Joseph F. Kafka in South Bend.  They lived in England for 2 years at the start of their marriage.  Joe and Mona celebrated over 51 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 18, 2018.

She is survived by her daughter Angela (Jon) Schroeder and her grandchildren, Owen, Olivia and Olaina Schroeder, all of New Carlisle, Indiana, and her sister, Leila Patry of Lake Havasu, Arizona.  Mona was preceded in death by her son - Joseph “Joey” W. Kafka, her father - Andrew Kluszczynski, her mother - Mary Ezra Reeves, and her siblings - Delbert Ezra, Patsy “Pat” Voss, Alvin “Butch” Ezra and Penelope “Penny" Williams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am ET on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at St Stanislaus Kostka Church, 55756 Tulip Road, New Carlisle, Indiana.  Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to Mass from 9 - 11am ET.  Following the funeral, Mona will be laid to rest beside her husband Joe and son Joey in New Carlisle Cemetery. ** For those unable to attend and wish to view her service, a livestream of the funeral will begin 10 minutes prior to the service and may be viewed in real time in the window below.**

Mona was employed as a pediatric dental hygienist for over 20 years in LaPorte, Indiana.  She was kind, generous and always willing to put others first, often taking the time to provide a listening ear or share the importance of faith.  She was a devoted Catholic, a longtime member St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in New Carlisle.  Her hobbies included going to yoga class and being an avid reader.  Mona volunteered many hours at the New Carlisle library and the New Carlisle food pantry.  She enjoyed baking cinnamon bread and cookies for her grandchildren and especially loved talking to her daughter any chance they had, often many times a day.  Mona made many memories traveling with her husband, Joe, throughout Europe.

Above all, faith and family meant everything to her.  She encouraged everyone to choose joy in all situations, especially when life is hard.  One of her most selfless acts was the donation of a kidney to her husband on the 50th year of their marriage.  As a hygienist, she loved to help kids of all ages and would often see those she knew wherever she went.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her memory to the St. Stanislaus Kostka building fund. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Mona’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.