Miska, Ottilie O.

Ottilie O. Miska, 93, of Cedar Rapids, was reunited with her husband on Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Solon Nursing Care Center, surrounded by her family. There will be no visitation or services per Lee's wishes. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Lee is survived by her son, Josef (Barbara) Miska of Plymouth, Minn.; daughter, Kristine (Randy) Benesh of Marion; grandchildren, Joshua (Rebecca Oyen) Benesh of Chicago, Kathryn Miska of Madison, Wis., Mickena (Nathan) Guillaume of Cedar Rapids and Jonathan Miska of Plymouth, Minn.; sister, Jerry Mason; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Godfrey “Ben” Miska; sister, Helen Secl; brother, Tony Novak; and parents.

Lee was born Jan. 28, 1919, in Chicago, Ill., daughter of Anton J. and Ottilie Novak. She relocated in the 1940s to her adopted hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she married her true love, Ben, and started a family. After Ben passed away in 1962, Grandma devoted her life to her children and friends.

She was a member of Western Fraternal Life Association Lodge Cedar Rapids No. 262, the ZCBJ Drill Team, and Damska Matice Skolska.

Grandma's legacy is the limitless curiosity with which she approached life and that she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Her passionate devotion to learning and understanding all facets of the world around us meant that each new pursuit, whether vocation or avocation, found an eager advocate and genuine interest.

Lee celebrated her Czech heritage through honing her skills as a baker of traditional foods and inspired the next generations to continue her traditions in the form of kolaches and houska to come.

She will be remembered for her love of mystery novels, card games with her grandchildren, her gambling (and socializing) during visits to Tama, and her collection of mice (the Czech translation of her married surname).

Grandma's lasting contribution is her love for her family and unyielding devotion to her children and grandchildren. Her challenges inspired, her courage strengthened, her curiosity drove, and her love protected her greatest gifts. In return, each has journeyed into the world far better for having been blessed by her unique gifts.

Grandma will be greatly missed by her family and all who were blessed to have her in their lives.

In this time of loss, she offered comfort as only she could, saying: “I am like a penny. Not a bad one, but a very bright one. Remember my darling children, I'll always turn up. Whenever you find a penny anywhere in the years to come, you pick it up and say “There's Grandma!” Take it. It is the first of many. Keep it for luck dear hearts; in time you will have a thousand reminders that I am telling you how much you are loved.”

The family would like to give a special and heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of the Solon Nursing Care Center and Hospice Compassus. Your genuine love, care and support have meant a great deal.

A special hug from Joe and to sister Kris and her family for caring and loving Mom when she needed them most, and never leaving her alone.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.iowacremation.com

Published July 8, 2012 in The Gazette