Cecilia Podhajsky

CECILIA PODHAJSKY

Traer

Cecilia Ann Podhajsky, 70, of Traer, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer, with Father Chris Podhajsky as main celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Paul's Cemetery in Traer. Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a rosary following visitation at 7 p.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer.

Cecilia was born Nov. 26, 1945, in rural Clutier, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Albia (Stoklas) Svoboda. She graduated from Traer-Clutier High School in 1963. Cecilia was united in marriage to Robert Podhajsky on Feb. 20, 1971, at St. Vaclav Catholic Church in rural Clutier.

She was very active in her community and church. She was involved in many civic and church activities, too numerous to list. Cecilia was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer, where she taught religious education for virtually her entire adult life.

Cecilia was well known for her cooking and baking, especially the many kolaches for the Czech Fest.

Survivors include her children, Father Chris Podhajsky of Cedar Rapids, Nicholas Podhajsky of Traer, Jeffrey Podhajsky and his wife, Jennifer, of Berwick, Ill., Michael Podhajsky of Dickeyville, Wis., Theresa and her husband, Barron Petraitis, of Galena, Ill., and Richard Podhajsky of Iowa City; seven grandchildren; and five brothers, Leo (Janice), David, Peter "Giles," Clair (Suzanne) and Paul (Barb) Svoboda; and a sister-in-law, Loreen Svoboda.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Bob; daughter, Maria; another child in pregnancy; and a brother, Lud Svoboda.

Instead of flowers, masses and prayers are appreciated.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama, is assisting the family with the arrangements.