Hronik, Allen Albert

Allen Albert Hronik, 96, of Oxford Junction, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Clarence. He left behind a legacy as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a musician, and a veteran who loved living on the family farm and never forgot his Czech roots.

Allen Hronik was born May 27, 1917, near Oxford Junction, Iowa, to Ed and Emma (Benhart) Hronik. In 1934, he graduated from Oxford Junction High School. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of Chicago. Following retirement, he received his B.A. degree from the University of Iowa in 1981.

Allen was a veteran of the United States Army, served in the Philippines during World War II, and continued to serve in the Army Reserve for an additional six years. He was a member of American Legion Post 473 for 61 years. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 40 years, including the Chicago Post Office, the APO, the railway mail trains, and the Rock Island Post office, where he completed his career as director of mail processing.

Allen met his wife, Marie Victorine, as a result of their love of music while playing in an orchestra in Cedar Rapids. They were united in marriage on June 17, 1940, in Cedar Rapids. They lived for 10 years in Lombard, Ill., after which they moved to their farm near Oxford Junction.

Throughout his life, Allen organized, led, and performed in multiple musical groups, including being a founder and the leader for over 50 years of the Wapsie Post Polka Band. Through the years, many Legion and community members performed with the band at parades, concerts, and celebrations. All of Allen's children and grandchildren performed with the band at various times. In support of Czech heritage, he organized and led the Czech Singers of Oxford Junction. Allen frequently entertained on the trumpet, accordion, and piano for various events. He played trumpet with the Kirkwood Jazz Band for 10 years. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oxford Junction, where he played the trumpet for Easter services and other church activities.

Allen was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife, Marie Hronik of Oxford Junction; three children, Dr. Mary (Tom) Curtis of La Mesa, Calif., Stanley (Carole Edman) Hronik of San Jose, Calif., and Dr. Pamela (Martin) Malley of Papillion, Neb.; a daughter-in-law, Mary Hronik of Littleton, Mass.; 12 grandchildren, Dr. Allen (Monica) Waziri, Adli (Cindy) Waziri, Nadya Waziri, Dr. Marie (Andy) Tupaj, Carolyn Hronik, Emily Hronik, Brian Hronik, Laura Hronik, Annette Hronik, Nicholas Hronik, Alyssa Malley and Lynnea Malley; and one great-grandchild, Marcus Waziri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers (Lester and Fred); and son, Edward.

For those who are interested, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Allen's name to: The Marie Victorine Hronik Endowed Scholarship at Mount Mercy University, c/o the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. This scholarship fund is designated in appreciation of the education Marie received there and awards are made to worthy students from Jones County.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oxford Junction. Burial will be at Mayflower Cemetery in Oxford Junction.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com.

Published Oct. 18, 2013 in The Gazette