Ralph Sedlacek

Ralph Sedlacek

Hills

Ralph Sedlacek, 84, of Hills, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2026, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Iowa City, where military rites will be conducted.

Ralph was born on January 30, 1941, in Iowa City, the son of Otto W. and Irene (Kadera) Sedlacek. In February of 1959, Ralph Joined the Army where he served for three active years during the Vietnam War. After he returned, Ralph was united in marriage to Karolyn R. Sojka on June 1, 1963, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City. Ralph was a farmer in Hills all of his life, he also worked for the Iowa City Parks Department for twenty-six years and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #694. Ralph also loved learning about, and tinkering on, steam engines. Every year he looked forward to attending the Mt. Pleasant Old Threshers Reunion, where not only could he show off his engine, but he would also get to spread his knowledge he gained from all the years he spent working with the Czech Museum, Czech Library, The Heritage Association and the Czech Village Foundation. History was a large part of Ralph’s life, but more than anything, Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family.

Ralph is survived by his children Lisa (Tim) Gerlits, Robert (Judith) Sedlacek, Tim (Amy) Sedlacek, and Steve Sedlacek; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sisters Mary Haman, and Velma (Marion) Moen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Karolyn Sedlacek.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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