Lumir Merta

LUMIR MERTA

Cedar Rapids

Lumir "Fritz" Joseph Merta, 93, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in his home. Celebration of Life services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, with the Rev. Glenn Hunt presiding. Full military rites will be conducted. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brosh Chapel.

Lumir was born May 21, 1921, in Amana, the son of Frank and Tracy (Jirsa) Merta. He served four years in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, Lumir returned and was united in marriage to Bernice Stastny on March 16, 1946, at Hus Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. He worked as a painter for Broulik Brothers from 1946 to 1952. Lumir and Bernice farmed in the Fairfax area from 1952 to 1986, until moving to Cedar Rapids.

Lumir was a member of the VFW, Fairfax American Legion, Elks, WFLA Lodge 500 and a supporter of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

Lumir is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Bernice; three children, Lee J. (Marrilyn) Merta, Lynne Derosiers and Laurie Smith; six grandchildren, Roger (Michelle) Merta, Kimberlee Naber, Corey, Kurt and Kyle Derosiers and Deloren Smith; four great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ashlee Naber and Samantha and Jessica Merta; sisters-in-law, Jan Merta, Lou Kulhavy and Betty (Eldie) Svoboda; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Lumir was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Frank and Libby Stastny; a brother, Emil (Miladore) Merta; sisters, Eleanore (Ernie) Serbousek and Leona (Elmer) Kloubec; and a brother-in-law, Bill Kulhavy.

Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.