Edward Marek

EDWARD MAREK

Marion

Edward John Marek, 96, of Marion, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at his residence at Summit Pointe.

Edward was born Sept. 25, 1918, in Cass Township, Jones County, Iowa, the son of Wencly and Alvina Marek. He graduated from Anamosa High School in 1937 and from business college in Clinton in 1940. He later received a bachelor of law degree from LaSalle Extension University.

He married Betty Roach on Jan. 19, 1943, in Wickford, R.I. He served with the Navy Seabees in World War II. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Catholic Laymans Club and Knights of Columbus Council 909, Bowen General Assembly 4th Degree.

Edward was a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and member of the Holy Name Society. He also served for many years on the board of Discovery Living.

Edward worked as an internal revenue agent until 1973 when he retired after 33 years of service. He then worked in the trust department of Merchants National Bank until retiring in 1983.

During retirement, Edward and Betty traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, visiting family and friends, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Edward and Betty also filled their time with gardening, golfing and dancing. As Betty's health failed, he lovingly took care of her until her passing in 2000. Edward later met a special friend, Ann Richardson, with whom he enjoyed dancing and traveling.

Edward is survived by his four children: a son, Ronald (Karen) Marek of Cedar Rapids; daughters, Suzanne Lagina of Iowa City, Rebecca Marek of Houston, Texas, and Julie (Scot Brown) Lammers of Marion; two sisters, Irene Ayers of Wauwatosa, Wis., and Dorothy Waggoner of Des Moines; and five grandchildren, Stephen Marek, Benjamin (Kara) Lammers, Henry Lammers, Sydney Lammers and Sophia Lammers.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty; his brothers, Durward and Maynard Marek; and sisters, Mary Delores Marek and Alvina Boos.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, with a rosary service following. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, with the Rev. David Beckman and the Rev. Gerald Condon officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Prairieburg, at 2 p.m., with military honors.

Special thanks go out to all the caregivers who have helped Edward, including Mercy Medical Center, Manor Care, Home Choice Senior Care, Hospice Compassus and Summit Pointe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Edward's favorite charities were St. Matthew's Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Worker House and the Xavier High School Foundation.