Gelski, Richard F.

Richard F. Gelski, 79, of 4493 Pintail Ct., Marion, died Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at Marion Christian Church, Marion, by the Rev. Brice Hughes. The family will greet friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Marion, and one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Burial: Mount Clark Cemetery, Central City, with military honors, by VFW Post 788.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; four sons, Frank Gelski of St. Paul, Minn., David (Marianne) Gelski of Robins, Kevin (Debra) Gelski of Cedar Rapids and Michael Gelski of Florida; and three grandchildren, Amy (Mark) Schroeder and Christopher and Elizabeth Gelski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a half sister.

Richard was born Aug. 19, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Frank and Agnes (Pisarik) Gelski. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean conflict. Richard married Donna Taylor on Oct. 31, 1953, in Cedar Rapids. He worked for Rockwell Collins for 38 ½ years, retiring in 1991. He was then employed by Barron Motors for 13 years. Richard was a member of Marion Christian Church, VFW Post 788 and Marion Lions Club.

Richard was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and for many years worked the basketball and football games for PerMar Security. Richard and Donna owned a cabin at Lake Delhi and he cherished his time spent there with family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking and spending time in his shop.

Memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Richard's name at: 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.

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