Shimek, Joseph L.

Joseph L. Shimek, 90, of the West Ridge Care Center died there on Sunday, May 13, 2012, after a short illness. Services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial with military rites at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Dwayne) Olver of Lockridge, and Karen (Dr. Francis) Gilbert of Rogue River, Ore.; and a sister Helen Smith of Minnesota.

He is also survived by two grandchildren, Jamie and Jason Olver; and three great grandchildren, Simone and Dimitrius Olver and Braeden Olver.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou; a brother, Frank; and a sister, Sister Mary Ann.

Joe was born on March 19, 1922, the son of Joseph and Mary Navratil Shimek. He married Mary Lou Schwandt on Sept. 7, 1946, in Cedar Rapids. She died on May 13, 2001, 11 years prior to Joe's death. Joe was a police officer for the city of Cedar Rapids and retired from there after 33 years of service.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, American Legion, Cedar Rapids and Iowa State Police Associations, Associations of Chiefs of Police and Police Officers and proudly served with the Second Marine Division in the South Pacific during World War II.

Joe enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, woodworking, feeding the birds and squirrels and especially the time spent with his beloved family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Please leave a message or tribute to Joe's family on the Web page, under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette May 15, 2012.