Jane Charlene Vitko Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jane Charlene Vitko, age 71 of Albia, passed away Sunday May 25, 2014, at Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albia under the care of Monroe County Hospice of Albia. Jane was born July 11, 1942, to Sam L. and Wilma Marie (Schlenker) Fleener in Woodburn, Iowa. Jane graduated from Albia High School, class of 1963. After graduating from high school, she furthered her education by obtaining some college credits. In January 1960, she married Ron Dunham. To this union, 2 daughters were born, Sandi and Debra. Jane later married Ray Vitko, Sr. and they had a son, Ray, Jr. Jane was a hard worker and held many jobs, including waitressing at Maid Rite, working at Trophy Glove, and working at Minnesota Woolens. She then worked at Head Start before working at Chicago Rivet for 19 years. Jane and Ray, Sr. also owned and operated Vitko's Gas Station in Albia. Jane was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially having sleepovers with them. She loved the Jewelry Channel and supplied the whole family with bling. She enjoyed lottery scratch tickets and the occasional trip to the casino. Jane also enjoyed woodworking and collecting Asian and oriental decorations. She was able to fulfill one of her dreams by traveling to Indonesia with her brother-in-law. Jane is survived by her children, Sandi Dunham, Debra (James) Ballalatak, and Ray Jr. (Lori) Vitko all of Albia; 7 grandchildren, Ryan Dunham, Kristin (Ryan) Kirk, Samantha Jo Ballalatak, Andrea Ballalatak, and Tyler, Tanner, and Kaitlyn Vitko; 2 great-grandchildren, Jaxsen Dunham and Brinley Kirk; 2 siblings, Lea Weldon of Iowa City and Sam Jr. (Rita) Fleener of Fort Dodge; 2 brother-in-laws, Jack Shelburg of Yankton, South Dakota and Tim Weldon of Iowa City; and 4 sister-in-laws, Sandy, Ruth, Janet, and Mary Lou Vitko. Jane is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Wilma; 3 siblings, John, Jim, and Wilma; and 2 special nephews, David Fleener and Nick Weldon. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2014, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia; with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Visitation will be 2 p.m-8 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Jane's family present from 4-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Albia Fire Department or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jane Charlene Vitko

July 11, 1942 - May 25, 2014