Krejci, Charles E.

Charles E. Krejci passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2009, at 100 years of age, probably still reminiscing about his treasured childhood in Czech Village. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, by the Rev. Bob Voels of Trinity United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday.

In later years he was part of the core group that was responsible for holding on to the Czech Village area as a bit of important history of culture, music, customs, and language.

He was born to Anton “Tony” and Bessie Klekar Krejci on Sept. 5, 1909. He was the third child, Wesley Krejci and Lucille Bloom being his older siblings and Estella Baxa, Mildred and Edwin Krejci to follow. All have since passed away.

Charles was widowed in 2002 when his wife of 69 years passed away. Martha was Czech also and was a lost treasure. David, his son, died in September 2008 following a long illness.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Ann Krejci Downs, daughter-in-law, Diane Krejci; grandson, Douglas (Becky) Krejci; granddaughter, Heidi (Brian) Peck; and great-granddaughter, Madison, who gave him three years of joy.

Although Charlie was primarily remembered as “the banker,” he was involved and interested in many things. His banking years began at age 16 years as a messenger at Peoples Savings Bank. At that time messenger service was on foot and later by bicycle through muddy lanes and roads of old Cedar Rapids. He graduated from the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Through the years the city grew the bank changed names a few times and Charles worked through the banks to retire as senior vice president and head cashier after 47 years. The bank was then Norwest and now, Wells Fargo.

Aside from banking, Charles had a Czech band and played the accordion and fiddle. It was at one Sunday afternoon dance he met his wife, Martha. They married Dec. 24, 1933, at the height of the Great Depression. Son David was born Sept. 3, 1939, and they lost an infant daughter, Kathryn, in 1941, with Ann being born in June 1943.

As young marrieds, they found fellowship and friends of a lifetime at Trinity Methodist Church, where he was in the choir and was the treasurer of Benevolence as well as for smaller fellowship groups. The children's school events were fully supported, be it music, drama or field trips. Charles was fully involved with Boy Scouts of America from den master to troop master. He was involved in many other groups as board member, chair, or treasurer. He was past president of Linn County Bankers Association and the Iowa Federation of County Bankers. He organized the local chapter of National Association of Bank Auditors. He was a past member of the Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Rapids Community Chest Review Committee, Knights of Pythias, Loyal Order of Moose, Elks Club, PTA, West Side Civic Club and W.S.C.C Committee that created Morgan Creek Park. Charles was past chairman of Linn County March of Dimes, the predecessor of Mother's March, championing birth defects. He was past Chancellor Commander of Maccabees and past charter member of the Exchange Club. Charles was past treasurer of the Cedar Rapids Community School District and Linn County Red Cross. He was awarded “Boss of the Year” by the Secretaries Association. He was instrumental in organizing the Czech Village Association and became treasurer of the Czech Heritage Foundation.

He was a self-taught musician; playing the piano and button accordion and organized his own band, Chic. He performed in radio at WSUI in Iowa City, KRNT in Muscatine and WJAM, WKAA and KWCR in Cedar Rapids. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting and woodworking and was fond of flowers and trees. He crafted all sorts of items from little cars and boats when he was young to painting birdhouses, crosses, and stamping notes, and holiday decorations as recently as this year. He was often heard to say “Never enough time.”

In lieu of flowers, a tree may be planted or donations made to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Building Fund, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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