Sopousek, Milton E.

Milton E. Sopousek,  80, of Cedar Rapids, died at his home Friday morning, Dec. 25, 2009, following a lengthy illness. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial will be at a later date at St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, where a Knights of Columbus rosary begins at 7 p.m.

Milton is survived by his wife of 59 years, Teresa; five children, David (Betty Streff), Cedar Rapids, Donald (Susan), Marion, Dennis (Gayle), Swisher, Susan (John) Parker, Morrisville, N.C., and Chris Hurlbert, Walford; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother, Frank (Carol) Sopousek, Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary (Blahnik) Sopousek; sister, Dorothy Kadlec; son-in-law, Rick Hurlbert; and great-grandsons, Quentin Sopousek and Luke Shelton.

Milton was born Jan. 6, 1929, in Cedar Rapids and was a lifelong resident. He married Teresa M. Snitil on June 14, 1950, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Milton worked as a furrier at F.S. Mitvalsky and Co. for 19 years. He then worked in the stores department for Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Co. as a salesman and later a purchasing agent, retiring in 1991 after 27 years of service. Milton was a trumpet player for many years in several local dance bands. He primarily played for the Louie DeKlotz Dance Band.

He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Pope John XXIII Council 5677 Knights of Columbus and Cadets of St. George Branch 45 FCSLA (formerly Catholic Workman). In his younger days, Milton had been a Boy Scout troop leader. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes basketball. He also enjoyed going trout fishing. Milton's family was very important to him and he loved spending time and going on trips with them.

Milton's family would like to especially thank Dr. Thomas Schroeder, Dr. Todd Langager, Amy at Cardiologists P.C. and the staff of Mercy Home Care and Hospice of Mercy for the wonderful care they gave him.

Memorial contributions may be given to Camp Courageous and Hospice of Mercy.