Nikodim, Gary J.

Gary J. Nikodim, 66, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, following a sudden heart attack at his home. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by the Rev. Del Bear.  The family will greet friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday before the service at the funeral home. Burial: Campbell Cemetery, Bertram.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Marla; his brother, George A. “Sonny” (Margo) Nikodim of Cedar Rapids; two brothers-in-law, Garon (Theresa) Reinke of Madison, Wis., and Robert Reinke of Janesville, Wis.; four nephews, Steve (Julie) Hollan of Cedar Rapids, Barry (Jacque) Hollan of Las Vegas, Nev., and Brian Reinke and Kevin Reinke, both of Madison, Wis.; and his two loving cats, Shadow and Oreo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary was born March 19, 1943, the son of George L. and Edith M. (O'Connor) Nikodim, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He graduated from Washington High School in 1961. Gary married Marla Reinke on Sept. 30, 1967, in Monona. He was employed as a machinist at Iowa Manufacturing, which later became Cedaraapids Inc., for 37 years, retiring in 2000.  Gary was a trustee for Bertram Township for many years. He and Marla enjoyed cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium for over 30 years; and traveling together, including Carribean cruises and trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico. Gary and Marla visited the Mount Rushmore area this past summer, where they had spent part of their honeymoon 42 years ago.  Gary was an avid reader. He thoroughly enjoyed working around their acreage doing many “do-it-yourself” projects.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1548 A St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404; Linn County Historical Museum, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, or the charity of your choice.

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