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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Richard Berzinski
RICHARD BERZINSKI
Cedar Rapids
Richard E. "Dick" Berzinski, 89, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Dec. 2, 2014.
Dick was born Aug. 10, 1925, in Winona, Minn., to Emil and Augusta "Gustie" Tadewald Berzinski. He
graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1943 and attended Winona State University.
Dick was a member of the 449th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force that was based in Italy during World War II, where he flew 32 combat missions over enemy territory.
He was a member of American Legion Post 298 and the Polish Museum & Cultural Institute of Winona, Minn.
He married Barbara M. Shrake on May 6, 1947, in Winona, Minn. She passed away April 25, 1974.
He is survived by his children, Robert of Winona, Minn., and William, James, Michael and Carol, all of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Emil (Beverly) Berzinski of Fulton, Ill., and Kenneth Berzinski of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Ruth Raymond of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a lifelong friend, Marian Pretasky.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister-in-law, Barbara Hasbrouck Berzinski; and a brother-in-law, Richard Raymond.
In 1947, Dick came to Cedar Rapids, where he started his career in the food industry. His first venture was the Park Lane Drive-Inn, followed by the Hot Fish Shop, Shorewood, Shiloh and Berzinski's in downtown Marion.
He was a former member of the National Restaurant Association and the Iowa Restaurant Association, where he served on the board of directors for several years. He was also involved with developing several residential and commercial properties in Cedar Rapids and Linn County, and was a former member of the Cedar Rapids Board of Realtors.
Dick enjoyed the outdoors, fishing with friends, and dancing to big band music. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes.
He was very fond of animals, especially his dog, Mitzy, who preceded him in death. Mitzy was his devoted, faithful companion, who accompanied him on all his trips about town.
A private family gathering will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Entombment will be held at Cedar Memorial Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family.
Please leave an online condolence for the family at www.cedar memorial.com under Obituaries.
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