Gail Castek

"PENNY" CASTEK

Center Point

Gail Penelope "Penny" Castek, 74, of Center Point, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, after a long illness, surrounded by her family, at The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at First Christian Church, Center Point, conducted by the Rev. Melanie Van Weelden and the Rev. John Caughron. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point. Burial: Center Point Cemetery, Center Point.

Survivors include her husband, Dave, of Center Point; three children, Michael of Maryland, Douglas (Kathy) Castek of Hiawatha and Julie (Chris) DeSmet of Center Point; nine grandchildren, Meaghan (Will) Johnson, Brett Castek, Christopher Castek, Andrea Castek, Nathan Castek, Bryan Castek, Emma DeSmet, James DeSmet and Grace DeSmet; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Penny was born April 7, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, daughter of Marion and Alice (Schonberg) Wood. She graduated from Franklin High School, Cedar Rapids, in 1957, and attended the University of Iowa. On Oct. 22, 1959, she was united in marriage to David at Kenwood Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids.

Penny's strength was her faith, family and friendships. Her positive attitude, outlook on life and spirit was the signature of her strength. Mom was the heart of our family and meant the world to us. Our loved ones only die when we stop loving them; Mom, you will live forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Center Point Library building project.

Please share a memory of Penny at www.murdoch funeralhome.com under obituaries.