Emma J. Fragale

Emma Julia Fragale (Nee Tomazevic)

Died at the age of 97 years and 11 months of congestive heart failure on May 3rd, 2009 in her home in Sioux Falls, SD. Born June 21, 1911 to Josephine (Makse) and Valentine Tomazevic; she immigrated from Slovenia, Yugoslavia to the United States at the age of nine; residing in Hiles, WI. Emma was the first-born of eight Tomazevic children. After completing the 8th grade, Emma moved to Joliet, IL at the age of sixteen, in search of work. She met Joseph Fragale in 1935, and married on August 20, 1936 in Joliet, IL. Emma was proud to be known as a housewife to her husband and homemaker to her three children, Donald, Robert and Rosemary. Emma lived at 13 Anderson Ave. in Joliet, IL for 65 years before moving to South Dakota in 2002 to be cared for by her daughter Rosemary and son-in-law, Mark. She was an active member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Joliet, IL and also St. Lamberts Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD. She was a devout Christian and a master gardener. She loved cooking and canning the wonderful vegetables from her garden and especially loved to share her knowledge of gardening with family and friends. Emma loved her Savior, Jesus Christ; in addition, she loved to play cards, swim, dance (especially the polka), and travel. She thoroughly enjoyed the sun and being outdoors and will always be remembered for never being too hot! She loved to help those that were shut-in and volunteered for meals on wheels at the Center for Active Generations in Sioux Falls, SD. It goes without saying that Emma was able to live to be nearly 98 years of age due to a strong work ethic, healthy eating habits, lots of exercise and her faith in God. She always used to say ""your body is a furnace and you have to give it good fuel."" In 2003, Emma received an honorary High School Diploma, for recognition of life-long learning, which she was extremely proud of. She is preceded in death by her mother and father Josephine and Valentine Tomazevic, her husband, Joseph Fragale, her son, Robert Fragale and her siblings, Josephine (Hlade), Stanley, Dorothy (Nooker), Francis and Donald. Survivors include her son, Donald (Ann) Fragale of Great Falls, VA and her daughter Rosemary Wagner (Mark) of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Michael Fragale (Susie) of Charlotte, NC, John Parker Fragale of San Francisco, CA and Alexis Fragale of Great Falls, VA; Monica Daniel (Brian) of Chicago, IL, Matthew Wagner (Kerri) of Volga, SD and Martin Wagner of Brookings, SD. She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Hudson, Haze, Hope, Jacob, Bricelyn, Brendan, Hayden and Kamylle; one brother Tony Tomazevic; and one sister Ella Snavely. In lieu of flowers, a living memorial will be created in Emma"s memory at The Center for Active Generations in Sioux Falls. Tax deductible memorials can be Shelly Hanisch, Center for Active Generations, 2300 W. 46th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105.