Zlatohlavek, Mana (Machovsky)

Mana (Machovsky) Zlatohlavek, 96, died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Family graveside services will be held at Czech National Cemetery with the Rev. William Harnish officiating. Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West is in charge of arrangements.

Mana is survived by two sons, John (Mary) and Mike (Nancy); three grandsons, Tom (Megan), Joe and Sam, all of Cedar Rapids; and two nieces and a nephew and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her sister, Vera Hanson; and her parents.

Born in Kolin, Czechoslovakia, on Jan. 22, 1915, the daughter of Frank and Marie (Vacek) Machovsky, the family came through Ellis Island in 1922, to Cedar Rapids, where her father had accepted the position of coach and physical education instructor at Sokol Cedar Rapids. Mana graduated from Grant High School and attended Coe College. She married John Zlatohlavek on June 22, 1947, in Cedar Rapids. He died Dec. 8, 1984.

Mana was a member of Sokol Cedar Rapids for 80 years, joining in 1931. She was a volunteer gymnastics instructor for many years, a volunteer recording and corresponding secretary for 26 years, a volunteer women's physical education director and served on the board of instructors. She was also a member of the Western Fraternal Life Association Lodge Cedar Rapids #262, Czech Heritage Foundation, member and volunteer at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, the Museum Guild and Damska Matice Skolska (Czech Women's Educational Society). She had also been a substitute teacher at the old Czech School for Children on Second Street SE.

One of the gymnastic highlights for Mana and her sister was participating with other Sokol gymnasts in the Gymnastic Night in the Olympic Stadium during the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif. It was announced to all attending that the Sokol's performance was the best of all other nationalities performing.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sokol Cedar Rapids or the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

Mana's family was always very important to her.

Her family would especially like to thank the nurses and other care givers with Hospice of Mercy, Hallmar and Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center for the wonderful care they gave Mom.