Vikdal, John E.

John E. Vikdal died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at home peacefully following a battle with COPD, a severe breathing problem related to smoking. His wife of 28 years, Cherie Clark, and his two dogs were close at hand. A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion.

John is survived by his wife, Cherie Clark of Cedar Rapids; a son, Mark Vikdal (and wife Nikki); daughters, Christa (and husband Fred), Jina (and husband Richard), and Jonna (and Husband Greg); and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Merick. They all live in California. He regretted not being closer to them.

John was born June 22, 1937, the son of Christian Elmer and Etta Clapper Attleson Vikdal in New Hampton. He grew up in Marion and attended Coe College.

John was a music teacher, teaching music from college level all the way to kindergarten music (that was his favorite; he loved teaching the little kids). He could play every instrument and had a beautiful singing voice. John loved keeping his yard perfect, and he loved his doggies. He was a friend of Bill W., and was a charter member of PADS, a group that improves the lives of people with disabilities through peer support and community activism.

Please make memorials to PADS (Peer Action Disability Support), P.O. Box 883, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0883.

Please sign the online guest book for John at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Nov. 26, 2012 in The Gazette