Howard Zemanek

HOWARD ROBERT ZEMANEK

Marion

Howard Robert Zemanek passed away peacefully in Marion, on Monday, March 7, 2016, in the company of Jo Anne Zemanek, his wife of 62 years. He was 87 years old. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Howard was born Nov. 27, 1928, in Dubuque, Iowa, to his late parents, Robert Michael Zemanek and Grace Matilda Zemanek.

He was predeceased by his brother, Roger Donald Zemanek of Cedar Rapids.

While growing up in Dubuque, Howard was active in Boy Scouts, where his love and interest in nature began. He was very proud of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Howard served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone during the Korean conflict. He attended the University of Iowa, where he met his future wife, Jo Anne Montgomery. They were married on Oct. 31, 1953, in Des Moines.

He worked at Rockwell Collins as an engineer, retiring from there in 1985 after 30 years. During retirement, he and Jo Anne enjoyed international travel to several destinations, with a continued focus on their interest in nature, exotic birds and animals.

Howard is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Zemanek of Marion; daughter, Marlys (David) Wessels of Decatur, Ill.; and son, Ray (Martha) Zemanek, of Atlanta, Ga.; grand-daughter, Katie Jo (Tyler) Risma of Iowa City; and great-grandchildren, Penelope Jo Risma and Elliot Benjamin Risma.

A memorial fund in Howard's name has been established. Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.