Milton R. Horak

MILTON R. HORAK

Waterloo

Milton R. Horak, "Uncle Milt," 89, of Waterloo, died Thursday, July 18, 2019, at UnityPoint Hospital in Waterloo.

He was born Oct. 14, 1929, in Ely, son of Joseph and Tillie Horak. On June 7, 1953,

he married Dolores J. Slezak in Cedar Rapids; they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Milt graduated from Wilson High School in Cedar Rapids in 1948. He and Dolores owned several businesses and restaurants

in Eastern Iowa throughout their life, none more popular than Uncle Milt's in Central City.

Milt was an entrepreneur and was not afraid to roll up his sleeves. Along with being a buyer for Wilson's for 27 years, he started his business endeavors in 1961 when he opened Uncle Milt's Restaurant in Central City. In 1976, he purchased Lucky 10 Lanes in Independence. In 1979, he started Automatic Amusements. From there, along with his partner and friend, Adrian Erickson, they operated Cadillac Lanes, Waverly Bowl, PlaMor Bowl in Iowa Falls and A&W in Britt, Iowa. Throughout his life, he also owned and operated four other businesses. He worked alongside his two sons in the family business, Automatic Amusements, until 2017.

Milt enjoyed listening to Czech music and attending Czech festivals. Milt's biggest love was his family and time spent with them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him Dedã. Milt always had a smile on his face, and everyone he met he considered a friend. Milt will be missed by all who knew him.

Milt is survived by his wife; daughters, Debbie Jo Denton, Heidi Jo Fields and Andrea Jo Fox; sons, Reggie (Shirley) and Joe (Teresa) Horak; 15 grandchildren, Jenni Jo (Ryan), Ashley Jo (Mike), Lacey Jo (Ben), Dr. Wayne (Paige), Kimberly, Ryan, Jeffrey, Joseph (Becca), Cassie (Ryan), Josh (Mickie), Ethan (Stephany), Elijah (Ana), Hannah (Corey), Mercedes Jo (Kyle), Jasmine Jo (Brandon) and 19 great-grandchildren.

Milt was a dedicated Iowa Hawkeyes fan, attending home games for 75 years. In his honor, feel free to wear casual Iowa Hawkeyes attire to the Celebration of Life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Norbert and Vernon; his sister Evelyn; and his beloved Yorkie and companion, Gunner Jo.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday from 4 to

7 p.m. at Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel, 3146 Kimball Ave., Waterloo.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel is in charge of arrangements at (319) 233-3146. Online condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.