Ernest L. Obadal (1926-2021)

OBADAL, SMUTNA, STALEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/13/2021 at 10:11:35

Ernest “Ernie” Louis Obadal, 95, of Swisher, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 6, 2021, in his home, surrounded by his family. Celebration of life services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021, Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is caring for Ernst and family.

Ernest was born August 27, 1926, in Pocahontas, the son of Louis and Mary (Smutna) Obadal. Ernie was the eldest of five children, and grew on the farm in Pocahontas, where he developed his skills of building and fixing anything he needed or wanted. He joined the United States Navy when he was 18 and served three years. Ernie was united in marriage to Eldora “Dory” Staley on October 5, 1947. There were married nineteen years and had five children. In 1967, he married Barbara Bryant, who had four children from a previous marriage. Ernie worked for the Highway Commission in Waterloo, John Deere, International Harvester, Link-Belt Speeder/FMC and he retired from Universal Engineering in Cedar Rapids. Ernie favorite pastime was bowling and he was still bowling in a league, at the age of 93, when COVID hit in 2020. His all time highest was 299. He also loved boating, water skiing, snowmobiling, keeping a few horses, sheep and of course his dogs.

Ernie is survived by his wife Barbara; his children Darrel (Cheri) Obadal, Cheryl Skala, Carol Obadal (Terry Stammeyer) Gary Obadal, and David Obadal; Barb’s children Russell (Lori) Bryant, Edwin Bryant, Bonnie Obadal; grandchildren Robyn Obadal, Shari (Jim) Ross, Shane (Cathy) Skala, Jill (Ben) Sampica, Louis (Heather) Obadal, and Jeffrey (Sheena) Obadal; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; his brother Richard Obadal; his sister Betty (Jim) Forrest; as well as his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Stanley (Stella) Obadal, Martha (Bob) Brown, his step-son Morris Bryant, and his grandson Jamie Jones.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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