Melvin Joe Popelka (1930-2019)

POPELKA, LAHODNY, SHIERY, HAAS, MAHOWALD, CROFT

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/13/2019 at 05:03:02

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Melvin Joe Popelka, age 88, of Ames, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Unity Point-Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Born on July 16, 1930 on the family farm in Poweshiek County, Iowa, Melvin was the son of Joseph and Helen (Lahodny) Popelka. He graduated from Belle Plain High School in 1948. Melvin was united in marriage to his next-door neighbor, Patricia Shiery on July 18, 1952 at the Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE. Melvin was inducted into the U.S. Army on February 5, 1952. During his time in the service, he was never assigned to a formal training unit because of his outstanding mathematics skills. He was assigned to a detail in Germany tasked with mapping Germany following WW II. Melvin was honorably discharged on January 22, 1954 after receiving the Occupation and National Defense Medals. He was employed by the Iowa Department of Transportation working on bridge design until his retirement. After retirement, Melvin worked part-time for Iowa State University, and was “loaned” to the D.O.T. as a consultant until the age of 80. Melvin had many interests including dancing, especially Polka and Square dancing. He enjoyed gardening and had several hybrid roses throughout his yard. Melvin was very proud of having the opportunity to take part in one of the first “Honor Flights” to Washington D.C. He was a member of the First Christian Church, where he was very active throughout the years.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Patty; his children: David (Sandy) Popelka of Ames, Daryl (Elena) Popelka of Oskaloosa, and Susanne Haas of Apple Valley, MN; six grandchildren: Jeremy (Amanda) Popelka, Kristofer (Dawn) Popelka, Kraig Popelka, Kindra (David) Mahowald, Roxie Popelka, and Casey Popelka; 8 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Croft; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Jim (Doris) Popelka and Roland (Ruth) Popelka; a sister, Gertrude Popelka; and a brother-in-law, Bud Croft.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 5, 2019 at First Christian Church in Ames. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Adams Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for the family at www.adamssoderstrum.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Melvin’s name may be directed to First Christian Church in Ames.

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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