Memorial
Mary Carol Popelka was born on February 15, 1944 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Harold and Ruth (Hruska) Popelka. She was the dear little sister to her older brother, David. Mary graduated from Washington High School in 1962. Mary went on to attend the Saint Luke’s School of Practical Nursing and completed her training there in 1964. She worked at Mercy Hospital, as an LPN, for over thirteen years.
Mary met Peter William Dykhuizen Jr. when he was a patient of hers. They were married on December 3, 1966. Together they were the parents of a son, Michael and family time often included Bill’s children, Denise and David Dykhuizen.
Bill and Mary were long time members of Cedar Valley Bible Church where Mary has continued even after Bill’s death in 2014. Together Bill and Mary worked for more than seventeen years as ushers and event coordinators through the Paramount, enjoying both the friendships and the entertainment that filled their time. And although she wasn’t a fan in the beginning, Mary became Bill’s most devoted fishing partner, even occasionally catching the biggest or the most fish! (And boy, did she let everyone know when that happened!) Mary was an active member of the Christian Woman’s Club and she treasured the dear friends who shared this with her. Mary also loved spending time and sharing long phone calls with all her children and grandchildren. She was known to all for her kind heart, easy laughter and her warm, friendly spirit.
Survivors include her brother, David (Marilyn) Popelka of Cedar Rapids; three children, Mike and Doreen and their children, Connor, Dalton, Madison, and Kaiya all of Cedar Rapids, David of Mt. Vernon, and Denise and Larry McDaniel of Columbia, MO, as well as their children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a granddaughter, Amanda Joy.
Mary’s great joy in life was her faith, her family and her friends. In honor of this, a celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday at the Cedar Valley Bible Church. Rev. Sean Lillis will officiate. Friends may call at the Church on Thursday from 5 to 7 PM. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established to several of Mary’s favorite charities.