Silhanek, Wayne R.

Wayne R. Silhanek, 78, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone, with the Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser and the Rev. Richard Osslund officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and an hour before services on Thursday. Private family inurnment will be at the Keystone Cemetery.

Wayne Robert Silhanek was born April 28, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, to John and Mayme (Cernin) Silhanek. He attended country school and graduated from Keystone High School in 1951. Wayne served his country in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 23, 1953, he married Jean Offt in Keystone. Wayne farmed and was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and teaching Sunday school.

He belonged to the Merkel Bockholt American Legion Post and served on the Benton Community school board from 1980 to 1996. Wayne served on the Benton County Cancer Board and was a frequent participant in the local Relay For Life events.

In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed woodworking, fishing and gardening, but he was happiest farming and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean; five sons, Douglas (Jane) Silhanek, Atkins, Steven Silhanek, Dallas, Texas, Greg (Carlene) Silhanek, Keystone, Kent Silhanek, Luzerne, and Rod Silhanek, Keystone; seven grandchildren, Seth (Jessica) Silhanek, Zach (Karen) Silhanek, Rebecca (Michael) Weber, Jordan Silhanek, Jacqueline Silhanek, Todd (Colleen) Dorman and Danni Torson; nine great-grandchildren, Brayden, Brock, Lauren, Allie, Camryn, Connor, Frank, Paige and Jackson; and one brother, Richard (Norma) Silhanek, Keystone.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald; and a sister, Marjorie, in infancy.

Memorials may be directed to the Benton County Cancer Board.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Wayne and his family.

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