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Bernice Dvorak
BERNICE E. DVORAK
Cedar Rapids
Bernice E. Dvorak, 96, of Cedar Rapids, went to her eternal home on Saturday,
Jan. 20, 2018, at St. Luke's Hospital. Memorial services
will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday,
Jan. 27, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Visitation at 1 p.m. Saturday at the
church until service time.
Bernice was born Oct. 6,
1921, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of William and
Adeline Petrak Dvorak. She graduated from Shueyville
High School in 1939, then worked for seven years before attending York College in Nebraska. In 1950, she
graduated with a B.A. in sociology and religion and
worked at a church in Kansas until obtaining her
master of religious education degree in 1959. She then
was a director of Christian education at two churches until 1968, when she was consecrated as a diaconal
minister assigned to the general board of global
ministries of the United Methodist Church's Women's Division. She retired from this position 18 years later
after supporting and advising churches in 21 states.
She returned to Cedar Rapids to retire near her
family, volunteering at the Meth-Wick Community,
where she lived, participating in activities at church, enjoying family gatherings, a good game of cards and traveling throughout the world.
Bernice is survived by her sister, Martha Zach of Swisher; her four nephews, Larry (Marcia) Zach of
Ankeny, Brad (Kathy) Colton of Marion, Glen (Trudy
Haines) Colton of Fort Collins, Colo., and Keith (Norma) Colton of Cedar Rapids; and 10 great-nieces and
nephews; and one great-great-nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister,
Lavona (Sandy) Colton; and nephews, Rick Zach and
Allen Zach.
Bernice lived her life following the example of Christ. She generously and humbly served others, showing love to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St.
Mark's United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's
Association in Bernice's memory.
Please leave a message or tribute to Bernice's family on the web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under
Obituaries.
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