Becicka Sr., Ralph Charles

Ralph Charles Becicka Sr., 73, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a courageous battle with cancer. Home going services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Damian M. Epps presiding. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 29, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW.

Ralph was born Jan. 19, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Elmer and Louise (Bragg) Becicka. He married Delores Edwards on June 11, 1958, in Washington, D.C. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957-1960, serving as a paratrooper.

After departing the armed forces, he worked for Wilson and Co., Allis Chalmers, Harnischfeger as a draftsmen, and Procter & Gamble, where he retired.

Ralph's passions were gardening, working with his Koi pond, fishing, taking pictures of his grand kids, and lending a helping hand whenever it was needed. Ralph was a member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Delores; his children, Ralph Becicka Jr. of Manchester and Dawn (Michael) Souza of Colorado Springs, Colo.; six grandchildren, Danielle Jaime, Teri Becicka, Thomas Souza, Alex Souza, Nicholas Jacobson and Collin Jacobson; great-grandchildren, Ariana Milligan and Jada Milligan; his siblings, Paulette (James) Clark, Delores Davis, Olen Gibson and Landy Waller; his stepfather, Grover (Dorris) Bell of Cedar Rapids; and a host of many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Roland C. Becicka; and his siblings, Dorothy Green, Burdell Moreland, Dean Smith, Viola Levy, Emma Turner and Karl Waller; and his foster parent, Magnolia Fields.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Published March 24, 2013 in The Gazette