Dohnalek, Clara M.

Clara M. Dohnalek, 96, of Solon, died Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at the Solon Nursing Care Center. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Brosh Chapel in Solon. Visitation will be an hour before services at the chapel. Private family interment will follow in Czech National Cemetery.

Clara was born April 8, 1913, near Swisher, the daughter of John and Anna (Biderman) Hynek. She married William Dohnalek on May 8, 1932, in Ely. He died in August 1973. She lived for 63 years on their farm located on the “airport corner.” Clara moved to Cedar Rapids in 1995 and most recently resided in the Solon Nursing Care Center. Clara was a member of the ZCBJ, now known as WFLA Lodge 400, and Rebecca lodges for 50 years.

Her beautiful fruit orchard, garden and many flower beds were main attractions for those traveling to and from the Cedar Rapids airport. Those who knew her also will remember her delicious kolaches, rolls, pies, and cakes.

Clara will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Clara is survived by her son, David (Barbara) Dohnalek of Swisher; daughter, Carol (Edward) Gates of Papillion, Neb.; five grandchildren, Michael Dohnalek of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Pat) Dohnalek of Lee's Summit, Mo., Cindy (Dave) Chase of Cedar Rapids, Stephanie (Chris) Wiese of Papillion, Neb., and Kurt (Melissa) Gates of Liberty, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Lauren Chase of Cedar Rapids, David and Erin Dohnalek of Lee's Summit, Mo., Harrison and Amy Gates of Liberty, Mo., Shaeley, Dayton and Marlee Wiese of Papillion, Neb.; and sisters-in-law, Gladys Peterson, Evelyn Hynek and Alma Roman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; brother, Adolph Hynek; sister, Eleanora Clemons; and infant sister, Elsie.

Memorials may be directed to Solon Nursing Care Center, 523 E. Fifth St., Solon, IA 52333.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Solon Nursing Care Center for their wonderful care during the last few years of her life.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at