Gilbert 'Gil' Lopata

GILBERT "GIL" L. LOPATA

Cedar Rapids

Gilbert "Gil" L. Lopata, 80, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from a sudden illness. A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. A private family inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentra.

Gilbert was born Aug. 5, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Emil and Bertha (Phelps) Lopata. He attended Wilson High School and later joined the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958. Gil worked for over 30 years at Wilson Foods/Farmstead and later for the city of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation, where he was affectionately known as the "Lawn Ranger." Gil was united in marriage to Magdalen "Maggie" Summer on Oct. 15, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Gil enjoyed catfishing and camping on "Gil's Island" on the Cedar River, boating, waterskiing and going to the casinos with Maggie, but most of all spending time with his family. The many vacations in Minnesota are treasured memories.

Gil is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Maggie; children, John (Patti) Lopata of Amana, Diana (Jeff Enzor) Lopata of Norway, Jeff (Thereasa) Lopata of Cedar Rapids and James (Jennifer) Lopata of Troy Mills; eight grandchildren, Sara (James) Lyons, Justin (Megan) Lopata, Keilly Lopata, Emma Lopata, Madalyn Lopata, Austin Greenman, Dakota Lopata and Hunter Lopata; two great-grandchildren, Michael Lyons and Carson Lopata; his sister, Marietta (Harry) Heater of Logansport, Ind.; as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, John Zahn; and his siblings, Loretta (Dick) Adams and Gloria (Larry) Erickson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.