Obituary of Joseph Anton Cermak

Joseph A. Cermak, age 92, of Iowa City passed away February 13, 2023 in West Branch Iowa. Joe's family will receive guests for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 25th from 10 - 2 pm at the Kirkwood Room (515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City). Joseph was born March 5, 1930 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Verda (Edwards) Cermak. Joe grew up in Iowa City and graduated from Iowa City High School as Valedictorian, class of 1948. Joe held several jobs starting early in life. He worked for the Dey Family & Scott’s Department store. He then attended the University of Iowa graduating in 1952. Shortly after he was drafted into the Army. After an honorable discharge he was a dispatcher at Saltzman’s and then began his career at the University of Iowa. He was an Administrative Data Processer for them for 30 years, retiring as an Associate Director. Joe enjoyed bowling at the Pla-mor Lanes for 55 plus years and in 1997 was inducted into the Iowa City Bowlers Hall of Fame. He was an Oddfellow Lodge member for 75 years; founder of the Oddfellow Youth Division; and played pitcher on the Oddfellow fast pitch softball team. The same softball team defeated Eddie Feigner of the King and his Court. Joe also enjoyed attending the First United Methodist church in Iowa City. Joe married Ramona Lou Hoffman in May 1961 in Chicago. They had two sons together and sadly Ramona passed away in 1978. A few years later Joe married Marilyn Louise Schneider and they’ve been together for over forty years. Joe lived his entire life in Iowa City but loved to travel. Every year he and his family attended the Iowa State fair together as a fun family vacation. He and Marilyn would go up north during the fall on “leaf trips” to see the beautiful fall colors and visit friends and favorite spots each year. He loved the University of Iowa homecoming parades and 4th of July celebrations. In most pictures he’s wearing red, white & blue. He loved to sit outside in West Branch on Friday’s and listen to a band play. They would travel to Texas and Tennessee often to see family and friends. Another favorite annual tradition was going to the Thresher’s Reunion in Mt. Pleasant to see the steam tractors and go shopping on the square for local crafts. He was a large presence in their Goosetown neighborhood, enjoying local block parties and hanging out with neighbors year-round. Joe was a great family man. He loved spending time with his niece and nephews, Jane, Dick & Tom. Looking at his pictures from back then, you can see how much he cared about his family and friends. Joe also enjoyed spending time with Marilyn’s extended family – Mike, Carol, Lisa, Amelia, Annette & Jerry along with his four grandchildren. Many family gatherings and holidays were a delight with their combined families. Joe always had a film or video camera in his hand for every occasion. Every holiday, parade and event he would capture and would later share with his loved ones with slide shows, 8mm projector shows and eventually VHS tape showings. Joe loved to take care of his garden. From flowers to vegetables, he was always outside and they looked amazing every year. He loved his pets like family over many years. He would always talk about them with love and tell stories, even about ones from when he was young. He loved to go on dog walks every day. Joe’s family include his loving wife of 43 years, Marilyn; sons, Craig (Diane) Cermak and Chad (Dayna) Cermak; grandchildren, Katherine (Lane) Cermak-Sandburg, Connor Cermak, Joseph Cermak and Tyler Cermak. Sadly, Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Verda; sister, Gladys “Toots” Wenman; and first wife, Ramona Lou. Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.