Dlask, George Lester

George Lester Dlask, 89, died, Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Crestview Acres in Marion. A Celebration Gathering will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Czech National Cemetery.

George was born April 20, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, the son Charles and Anna (Vrba) Dlask. George worked as illustrator and draftsman for many years with Laurence Press, Pepco Litho and Stamats Communications.

George is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his sons, Charles Dlask of Cedar Rapids and Gary (Julie) Dlask of Cedar Falls; and a granddaughter Melanie of Urbandale.

George was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Stanley Dlask.

George was a fine trumpet player. He joined Local 137 of The American Federation of Musicians while still in high school and held a membership card for over 50 years. His first gig was with fellow Wilson High students of the Chuck Sova Band. George, his brother Stan (trombone) and cousin, Frank Vrba (saxophone) were all members of Leo Cole's WMT Bohemian Band. In 1943, he and his brother enlisted in the Army and were appointed to an Army Air Corps Band stationed in Galveston, Texas. He and Evelyn Horak married on Oct. 19, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, while he was in the service. He continued playing after the war for many years with Ray Long's Commanders. Finally, he joined the Leonard Reyman Band and played to packed houses in both the Cedar and Rio Grande Valleys. George could play a mean horn, but he could not utter a mean word. His sweet trumpet sound reflected his sweet nature. He inspired both his sons to play the trumpet. Each went on to represent Jefferson High School in the prestigious All-State Music Festival.

George suffered from anxiety and depression from a very early age. He adored his mother, Anna. She was to die of acute leukemia when George was six years old. During this vulnerable time, he endured a difficult and terrifying tonsillectomy which left him emotionally scarred. It was only with the unflagging support of his wife Evelyn, that he was to conquer his demons.

George was a gardener. His caring and patient nature allowed him to produce bumper crops, year after year. This no doubt contributed to his longevity and the well-being of his family. He was a great provider.

The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Thomas Warren and the staff of St. Luke's Hematology and Oncology for curing him of lymphoma. We would also like to thank Marcy and the many other kind care providers at Crestview Acres for their untiring efforts. George was so appreciative of them. George habitually thought of the other person before he thought of himself. His strengths were in the examples he set ... honesty, decency, courage and empathy for everyone.

Memorials may be directed to the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library in his name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at .

Published in The Gazette April 10, 2013.