Memorial

Joseph R. Kurka, Age 97, of Prairie Hills Assisted Living, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022.

A visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, November 5 from 12 noon until service time at 1 PM with Pastor Jonathan Heifner officiating. Interment to follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Garden of Tranquility.

Survivors include a son, Jeffrey L. (Shelley) Kurka, of Florissant, CO., and daughter, Kathy J. (John) Calabria of Easley, SC, a son, David A. (Sue) Kurka of Atkins, IA, a sister, Angela Wery of Cedar Rapids and six grandchildren, Anthony, Alexa, Zachary, Whitney, Benjamin, Matthew, and three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Noah, and Christiana, and a special partner, Dolores Blood. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna, two brothers, Charles and Henry, and a great-granddaughter, Isabella.

Joseph was born on December 9, 1924 in Phillips, WI, the son of Anton and Mary Kurka. He was a proud veteran of WWII serving in New Guinea. He married Anna Mardella Lala on November 12, 1950 in Cedar Rapids, IA. He was a member of St. Paul’s Church and the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library where he volunteered frequently. He was a proud Mason and Past Master of the Crescent Lodge. He worked for New Era Industries for many years until they closed and then onto Square D. 

He never met a stranger, making friends with everyone he met. He loved going to Hy-Vee to buy one item, coming back an hour later with five new friends. Woodworking was a huge passion so he turned his garage into a workshop. He spent many hours a day making things for everyone and kolache presses for the museum to sell. Joseph was an avid gardener and produced lots of veggies to be frozen or canned.

He will be remembered as a fun grandpa who was always ready to get on the floor with the grandkids and then treat them to Dairy Queen. Dad and grandpa will be truly missed by all his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Oldorf Hospice House.