Vrba, James John 1916-2016

VRBA, PICALEK GALITZ, DIERCKS, WELCH, GOEMAAT, WOOLLEY, PARKER, FORSYTHE, HRON

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 4/24/2016 at 13:26:52

Mr. James J. Vrba, 99, of DeWitt, died Thursday morning, March 3, 2016, at Genesis Medical Center-DeWitt.

James John Vrba was born August 13, 1916, in Chicago to James and Marie (Picalek) Vrba. He married Dorothy Galitz on August 27, 1945. The couple resided in Davenport where they enjoyed being professional ballroom dancers known as “The Del-Rios.” They later moved to DeWitt where they raised their family. Jim was a machinist at the Rock Island Arsenal during World War II and also played trumpet in the Arsenal Marching Band. He later worked as a pressman at Wagner’s Printers in Davenport for 35 years until retirement. His wife, Dorothy, preceded him in death on August 17, 2009.

He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. Jim was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking. He will be remembered for his wonderful apple pies. Jim was an amazing handyman, musician and mechanic, skills that he passed on to his children.

Surviving children are, Sandra Diercks of Urbandale, Rev. James Vrba of Bettendorf and Daniel (Tina) Vrba of DeWitt; grandchildren, John Diercks, Elizabeth (Tim) Welch, Ann (Jason) Goemaat, Sara Woolley, Tonya Vrba and Christopher Vrba; great-grandchildren, Scott Parker, Justin Parker, Shelby Welch, Kimberly (Justin) Forsythe, Lindsey Woolley and Timothy Woolley; a sister, Mildred Hron of Berwyn, Illinois; nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death in addition to his wife were his parents; sisters, Emily and Albie and brothers, George and Edward.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, on Sunday, March 6th with the Vigil Service beginning at 3:00 p.m. and visitation following until 5:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 7th at 10:30 a.m. in the church with visitation one-hour prior. Jim's son, Rev. James Vrba will preside at the Mass. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be given to St. Joseph School.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.