Teply, Charles W.

Charles W. Teply, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died Aug. 26, 2010, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy following an extended illness. Per Charles' wishes he was cremated. A memorial gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, Wilma; his daughter, Rita G. Best and husband Dennis of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Tammi Heaton and husband Bill of Cedar Rapids and Kelly Best of Gilbert, Ariz.; great- grandchildren, Brooke and Cody Heaton; as well as several nieces and nephews, including his favorite nephew, Sam Tvrdik of Gowrie, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert; four half brothers; and two half sisters.

Charles was born Feb. 2, 1922, in Cedar Rapids. He was united in marriage to Wilma B. Trachta on Aug. 29, 1941, in Missouri. He was a devoted husband of 68 years. He served his country honorably in the United States Army in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre assigned to 89th Station Hospital. He owned the McKinley DX gas station for several years. He later worked in mechanics at Rapids Chevrolet and Allen Motors, was a machinist at Iowa Manufacturing, and retired from Rockwell Goss as maintenance foreman.

Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, and above all time spent with family. He will be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, willingness to lend a helping hand, and a generous heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Charles' family on the webpage,  under obituaries.