Theresa Chvatal

Theresa Rose (Leitner) Chvatal, age 87, passed away peacefully at Rawlins County Health Center on April 27, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Theresa was born on March 2, 1937, in Herndon, Kansas, to Joseph S. Leitner and Barbara (Kleidosty) Leitner. Theresa was the second of four children. She attended school at a Bolde country school through 3rd grade, St. Mary’s Catholic School and Herndon High School in Herndon, graduating in 1955. Theresa moved to Atwood after graduating, living with her sister, working for Forrest Brown during tax season and at Bellamy drug store, where she met Frank A. Chvatal. They were united into marriage on April 11, 1959, and just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. To this union were born four children, Scott, Karen, Mike and Mitch. Frankie and Theresa made their home in Atwood and were business owners of Beaver Valley Supply Company.

Theresa devoted her life to her family. Frankie traveled a lot for business, and she was busy managing their household and raising their children. Theresa was a top-notch cook and she enjoyed gardening with her family, canning and cooking the produce they grew. Theresa was a longtime member of Town and Country Guild, was a great card player and was in many card clubs, with bridge being her favorite. She was an avid golfer and loved teaching her kids and grandkids the sport. Theresa’s faith was extremely important to her and she was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Altar Society.

Theresa enjoyed watching sports, and once her kids and grandchildren came along, she especially enjoyed going to their sporting events and other activities.

Theresa loved traveling with family and friends, enjoying business conventions and annual trips to their home in Palm Springs, California with her sister, brothers, children and grandchildren.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, sister Eunice Riepl Braxmeyer and brother Roy Leitner. She is survived by her husband Frankie of 65 years; four children, Scott Chvatal, Karen (Greg) Leibbrandt, Mike Chvatal, and Mitch (Angela) Chvatal; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother Wayne (Cathy) Leitner; several nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Catholic Rosary will be Wednesday May 1, 2024, at 9:30am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Atwood. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to the Atwood Country Club Ladies Golf Association, or Ace Foundation for Frank and Theresa Chvatal Scholarship fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary. PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. You may also donate to the Ace Fund online at https://gnwkcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1082. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com