Family of couple killed in Cedar Rapids crash remembers them as fun-loving, inseparable

CEDAR RAPIDS — Arlene and John Yanecek, ages 81 and 75, of Cedar Rapids, were killed Saturday evening in a car crash at the intersection of Wiley Boulevard SW and Williams Boulevard SW.

The couple had been married for 43 years, and they were inseparable, according to their daughter Dawn Lane-Kannenberg.

“They were very loving people. Our parents were very loving, very kind, sweet. Mom loved bingo,” Lane-Kannenberg said. “They were two peas in a pod. There were always together.”

The Yaneceks were retired and didn’t go out much. They often spent time playing card games and board games together at home. Lane-Kannenberg said she suspects they were out running a quick errand when the crash happened.

The couple made a point to get together with their family as often as possible. They leave behind four siblings between the two of them, nine children — most of whom live in the Cedar Rapids area — 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, according to an obituary sent to The Gazette.

“They came to as many family gatherings as they could. That was the highlight of their life, was getting together with family,” Lane-Kannenberg said.

Her parents attended as many of their family members’ events as possible: going to show choir performances and sports games. They especially loved watching football, and were excited to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play in the Super Bowl Sunday.

On Saturday night, Lane-Kannenberg said she was called to the hospital where she was directed to a consultation room with the rest of her family.

“I knew something was wrong. I know we’re only in this room for one reason. I didn’t know what it was, or who it was,” Lane-Kannenberg said. “The fact that it was both of them, so suddenly … it was very shocking. I think I’m still in shock. I have to shake my head several times a day.”

Since receiving the news, the family has been together almost constantly, supporting each other. The Yaneceks’ dog, Minnie, who was in the car with them during the crash and survived, has already been adopted by one of the couple’s granddaughters.

“We’re just devastated, and our family appreciates all thoughts and prayers,” Lane-Kannenberg said.

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