Jepson, Mary E. Hasek

Mary E. Hasek Jepson

4/16/1919 - 7/6/2010

Mary E. Jepson died peacefully on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, with her family by her side. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Monday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial: Czech National Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, where a rosary begins at 4 p.m.

Born in Cedar Rapids on April 16, 1919, to Frank and Anna Hasek, Mary attended St. Ludmila's Catholic School, Wilson High School and took varied classes at Kirkwood Community College. She had worked at LaPlant Choate/Allis Chalmers, Killian's in housewares and at the Penny Saver, retiring at age 72.

Mary was married to Harold Jepson and together they traveled extensively, making many trips to Alaska to visit their daughter Barbara.

Mary was dubbed “Ilio” and Harold, “Colo,” at the ostomy meetings they attended. They also visited patients at St. Luke's, Mercy and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, counseling and encouraging them on how to care for themselves at home.

Mary was very proud of her Czech heritage and was a member of Lodge Cedar Rapids 262 WFLA and the Federation of Czech Groups. She was also a member of the Czech Heritage Singers. Mary loved to polka, was a Cubs fan and enjoyed watching golf on television.

Mary will always be admired for her zest for life. She loved her family, especially her great-grandchildren. Mary never realized the many lives she touched and she always faced challenges with grace and dignity. Rarely seeing her sad, one wondered, where were her wings?

Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sally Stodola, grandson, Eric Stodola, granddaughter, Kandi (Jeff) Klinger of Beaumont, Calif.; and a sister, Ann Weiland. She was great-babi to Sydney and Emily Stodola and Kainen Klinger of Beaumont, Calif.

At the end of Mary's journey awaits her husband, Harold; daughter, Barbara Jones; parents, Frank and Anna Hasek; brother, Jerry Hasek; and son-in-law, David Stodola.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone on fifth floor hospice at St. Luke's Hospital.

A memorial fund has been established in Mary's name.