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. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Visitation at St. Mark's from 1 p.m. until service time on Saturday.

Bernice was born on 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's 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 Meth-wick, 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.