Castek, Virginia Helen

Virginia Helen Castek, 92, a longtime resident of Center Point, Iowa, passed away at The Woodlands / The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010. A celebration of her life will be at noon Monday, Feb. 8, at First Christian Church in Center Point by the Rev. John Caughron. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Private burial: Center Point Cemetery. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point.

She is survived by her two sons, David (Penny) Castek and George (Andi) Castek, both of Center Point; her grandchildren, Michael Castek of Renton, Wash., Kim (Ron) Heaverlo of Cedar Rapids, Doug (Kathy) Castek of Hiawatha, Kelli (Kurt) Chesmore of Center Point and Julie (Chris) Desmet of Center Point; brother-in-law, John (Gae) Castek of Swisher; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milo; an infant son, Steven Frank Castek; a brother, Leo Sarchett; and a twin sister, Vivian Milliken.

Virginia was born July 14, 1917, at Washington Township, Linn County, the daughter of Cato and Aletha Sarchett. She graduated from Center Point High School and the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. On July 21, 1938, she was united in marriage to Milo Castek in Dubuque. He died Dec. 25, 1988. Virginia enjoyed living on a farm with her husband and teaching third grade elementary at the Center Point Consolidated School District for 23 years.

Her hobbies included raising indoor house plants and making a daily log in her yearly diary books that she maintained for several decades.

She enjoyed being with her family and friends and spending time at their cabin at Delhi, fishing in Minnesota, going to Las Vegas, and taking their motor home to meet friends for winter break. The greatest joy in her life were her grandchildren whom she loved and cared for so dearly.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Virginia was a member of the First Christian Church of Center Point.

In lieu of flowers, Virginia would have requested memorials be sent to the Center Point Library.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to all individuals at The Woodlands of Meth-Wick Community and Mercy Hospice for all their tender care of Virginia.

Please sign the online guest book for Virginia at under obituaries.