Petrzalek, Richard F.

Richard F. Petrzalek, 84, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 28, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Teahen Funeral Home by the Rev. Tom Capo of the Peoples Church. Friends may visit with the family Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday after 9 a.m. at the funeral home.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Linda James and husband Clif Drew of Woodland, Utah, Susan Belay and husband Michael Belay and grandchildren, Daniel Belay and Sara Belay of Cedar Rapids, and Teri Petrzalek of Cedar Rapids; and his canine companion, Libbe.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty and his parents.

He was born Richard Frank Petrzalek on Nov. 3, 1927, in Chelsea, to Joseph and Helen (Model) Petrzalek. While still in high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On June 7, 1952, he married Betty Louise Smrcek. They were married until her death in 2003. Richard had many careers during his lifetime. From human resources to teaching at Kirkwood's Rehabilitation Center he eventually became a toolmaker and retired from Square D. in 1989. A lifelong Cedar Rapidian Richard had many ties to the Czech community. His passion for sports and athletics lead him to CR Sokol Association where he was a 50 year member. He was an avid reader and woodworker and enjoyed building whatever his daughters asked him to.

Although Richard had a life filled with passion for various endeavors he was most passionate about being a good father to his children. We believe this was his true calling and one at which he excelled.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Cedar Rapids Sokol Association, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library or St. Luke's Hospice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 31, 2012.