Born August 21, 1934, to Frank C. and Alice (nee: Bouska) Zitka, Monica Josephine Lopour died Sunday evening, December 20, 2015, under Hospice Care at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Frank and sister-in-law Judy (Née: Rosenquist) Zitka. Survived by her brother Bob and sister-in-law Kathy (Née: Kozlik) Zitka (of Harrison Township, MI).

"Mona Jo" Zitka graduated from the old Burbank School (on Highway 31) and Wm. Horlick High School and was a very, very proud member of "The Horlick Girls of '52."  Following high school, she attended Wisconsin State University – Whitewater, where she was one of "The Beardsley Girls," and graduated with a two-year Rural Education degree before embarking upon an extensive career as a teacher in Racine County schools. She later graduated from Dominican College (Racine) with a Bachelor's degree (Education).

In 1955, Mona married James D. ("Jim") Jameson in Racine and thereafter moved to the Washington, D.C. area where, for a while, she was "a civilian employee of the Dept. of Defense at Ft. Meade, MD." That marriage ended in divorce, but, produced two sons – Jim Jameson (Arlington Heights, IL) and Tom Jameson (Racine). Both sons and their wives Elizabeth (Née: Slaughter) Jameson (Arlington Heights) and Carla (Née: Maresh) Jameson survive her, as do her beloved grandchildren: David Jameson (27, Austin, TX), Sara Jameson (16, Racine, WI), Wallace Butler (15, Arlington Heights, IL) and Abbott Butler (13, Arlington Heights, IL).

On August 12, 1967, Mona was united in marriage to Joseph E. ("Joe") Lopour at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Racine.  They were married 39 years until, in September of 2006, Joe preceded Mona in death. She is survived by both of Joe's dear sisters – Lillian Cooper and Vilma Woodford.

Aunt(ie) Mona also leaves behind numerous Zitka and Lopour nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a couple godchildren, all of whom she loved fondly. Many terrific memories were created for family, chosen family and friends at the family's lake cottage outside Iola, WI.

Mrs. Lopour taught many, many years in various Racine Unified School District elementary schools and also at schools in Raymond and Ives Grove. Mrs. Lopour had a long tenure at North Park Elementary School and is survived by many special "North Park teacher friends." Mona thought it particularly special that she had been a member of the first 8th grade graduating class from Burbank School and then, decades later, had been a teacher there when the last students graduated and Burbank was closed.

A devoted educator and lifelong learner, Mona was a supportive member of the REA and NEA and active participant in UW-Parkside's Adventures in Life Long Learning. She was an engaged member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church for over 50 years. She is also survived by numerous precious ALL and St. Paul's friends.

The celebration of Mona's life will take place on Saturday, December 26, 2015, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road.  Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Bohemian National Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Racine Senior Center (a Ministry of St. Paul's Lutheran Church), or another charity of one's choosing.