Popelka, George W.

George W. Popelka, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha.  Memorial Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Father David O'Connor. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church Wednesday. Inurnment: St. John's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements with Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children, Steven (Pam) Popelka of Charles City, Christine (Doyle) Reynolds of Davenport, and Philip (Kathy) Popelka of Omaha, Neb.; four grandchildren, Dirk (Kelly) Popelka, Aaron Reynolds, Carrie Reynolds-Nelson and Lindsay Reynolds; great-grandchild, Dax Popelka; and brother, Charles (Ruth) Popelka of Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife of 69 years, Thelma.

George was born the son of John and Marie (Viktora) Popelka, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A graduate from McKinley High School, he attended Coe and Iowa State College before entering the service with the United States Army Air Corp during World War II. He served with the 571st Bombardment Squadron. On January 21, 1942, George was united in marriage to Thelma Schulte who died Sept. 8, 2011.

After returning from the service, George worked at Link Belt Speeder/FMC and Collins Radio. The couple enjoyed dancing and traveling. George also was a longtime golfer at Ellis Park and Squaw Creek golf courses. He was a member of the VFW.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be directed to Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, P.O. Box 10704, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410; or Higley Mansion Care Center, 860 17th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Please sign the online guest book for George at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 27, 2011.