Francis Valentine Biskup

Biskup, Francis Valentine Oct 14, 1923 – Sep 28, 2014 Fran was born and reared on a farm in Orleans, NE and was one of four sons to Valentine and Emma Biskup. He raised turkeys as a young man to fund college and provide for spending money. He left the Biskup family farm to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and graduated from UNL with a degree in Architecture. Along with Del Boyer, he formed the architectural firm of Boyer Biskup Architects whose primary practice entailed the design and construction of schools, churches, public housing and commercial structures. Among the firm’s most notable designs was St. Thomas Moore Church in Omaha in which a unique first time suspension bridge type roof and structural approach was employed which eliminated internal beams and columns and made for an entirely open and barrier free church, intimately connecting congregation, clergy and God in a beautiful community of believers/worshipers, a concept he fervently embraced and advocated. In his later years, Fran pursued with a passion turkey hunting in the spring and fall with his brothers Jerry and Jess, and more recently with his nephew Greg and city slicker son Steve, a new convert to the sport. He received the best medical care in the world from son Jim and spiritual enlightenment from son and healer John Valentine, a/k/a Wuji Wayfarer. At his side as his sustenance and inspiration for 65 years has been his beautiful, caring, passionate, loving spouse, Rita Lee Stevenson Biskup, whom he called his “classy beautiful old lady.” Fran was preceded in death by brothers Jerome (Jerry) and Donald (Don) Biskup. He is survived by his wife, Rita; sons Steve (wife Sheri), Jim (wife Geri) and John Valentine (partner Paul); grandchildren Zach, John, Dan, Taylor and Kelli; great grandson Lucas Valentine Biskup, son of Dan; and brother Jess (wife Sande); along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 2nd from 5pm to 7pm, with CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE at 7pm, all at Bellevue Memorial Chapel with son, John Valentine, officiating. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, October 3rd at 11am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford in Bellevue. Interment: Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church in Bellevue, Alzheimer’s Association, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or Lydia House.