Irma F. (Kovarik) Langer, age 96, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026.

Irma was born on June 9, 1930, in Minneapolis to Frank and Julianna (Krepela) Kovarik. She grew up in Montgomery, where she graduated from high school before continuing her education at Mankato State, where she received her teacher training.

After graduating, Irma began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher in St. Clair, Minnesota. It was while in Mankato that she met her future husband, Francis Langer. The two were married in 1951 and both taught in St. Clair until 1955, when Francis accepted a position in New Prague.

After moving to New Prague, Irma stayed home for several years to raise their son, Michael, and daughter, Mary. Even during those years, her passion for education remained strong. At a time when New Prague did not yet have kindergarten, Irma recognized the need for a school-readiness program for young children. She began a six-week program during January and February in the basement of her home, giving children an opportunity to experience a classroom setting before entering school. What began with 12 students soon grew to include both morning and afternoon sessions. Her program became a forerunner to a summer school program and eventually helped pave the way for the school-readiness opportunities available to children in the community today.

Irma later returned to the classroom when she was offered a first-grade teaching position at St. Wenceslaus School, where she taught for 27 years. As she prepared to retire, another opportunity arose at Falcon Ridge Elementary School, and Irma continued doing what she loved for another 14 years.

Teaching was much more than a career for Irma. Along with her deep love for her family, she treasured her students and the many children who walked through her classroom doors throughout the years. Her dedication to education touched generations of families in the New Prague community.

Outside the classroom, Irma enjoyed knitting and crocheting and especially loved attending performances at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, with musicals being a favorite. Music was also an important part of her life, and she sang in the choir at St. Wenceslaus for many years.

In her later years, Irma enjoyed the activities and friendships she found at Mala Strana, particularly playing euchre with her friends.

Irma is survived by her children, Michael (Marilyn) Langer and Mary (Steve) Drazan; grandchildren, Jonathan (Melanie), Anne (Jeremy) Mead, David, Daniel (Naomi), Becca (Jesús) Rico Nieto, Brad (Makayla) Drazan, Molly Drazan, and Ryan (Madison) Drazan; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband Francis; siblings, Helen (Frank) Sladek, Jule (Fran) Slavik, and Milada (Wayne) Saunders.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1301 1st St. SE, New Prague, MN 56071. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will take place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.