Obituary of Frank J. Cilek

Frank J. Cilek, 80 of rural Solon, died Friday, March 20, 2009, at his home, Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the Oakland Cemetery in Solon, where military honors will be provided by the Stinocher Post of the American Legion in Solon. Following the services everyone is invited for a reception at the American Legion in Solon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post in Solon. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Frank was born February 27, 1929, near Solon, the son of Frank P. and Velma (Slofer) Cilek. Following graduation from Solon High School in 1946, he attended the University of Iowa for a number of years. During the Korean Conflict he served his country in the United States Air Force. Frank married Ethie “Mae” Brown on November 22, 1952 in Cedar Rapids. The couple lived south of Solon for many years where they farmed, and he worked as a John Deere mechanic in the area. He was a member of the Noelridge Church in Cedar Rapids, and the American Legion in Solon. Frank and Mae enjoyed so much of life together, they loved to go fishing, camping, and dancing. Even after Mae’s death in 2002, Frank still enjoyed playing cards, watching westerns, reading westerns, listening to Big Band Music, and just being Frank to so many of his family and friends! His family includes a sister, Betty Striegel and her husband, Gene of Lisbon; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and a close friend, Margy Wood of Mt. Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mae; and a sister, Doris Cilek. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Frank’s family and his services.