Vernon Edward Havlik

Vernon Edward Havlik, 96, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., with a Visitation held one hour prior to Mass, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Kenneth Glaser. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Rosary beginning at 4 p.m. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his three children, Gary (Lezlie) Havlik, Russ (Brenda) Havlik, and Cathy (Tom) Wilkerson; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and several great great grandchildren.

Vern was born on October 6, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Frank and Marie (Elias) Havlik. He attended Van Buren and graduated from Wilson High School in 1946. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marines, serving at the end of World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Cedar Rapids. On June 17, 1950, he married Helen Althaus. They were married 66 years before Helen passed away in 2017.

Vern worked for Collins Radio for 21 years, then FMC followed by Linn-Mar Community Schools. In retirement, he worked for many years as an assistant at Stewart Funeral Home with Jim Stewart and Phil Olivier.

In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, family fishing vacations, his grandchildren’s baseball games, and doing puzzles. He enjoyed framing the puzzles and giving them away, always including a special message on the back.

Vern was a longtime member and usher at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, lifetime member of the Collins Radio Technical Association, served on the school board for LaSalle and St. Ludmila schools, American Legion member, and honorary member of the FFA at Linn-Mar.

In his final years, Vern lived with his son and daughter-in-law, Russ and Brenda. He was grateful for their care and making accommodations for him. Vern was a kind, gentle soul who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff and nurses with Hospice of Mercy, especially Jim, Cathi, Kelly, and Joe, and the staff at Prairie Hills, in particular Mark, Mildred, and the entire kitchen crew who kept Vern happy and fed!

Memorials are suggested to the St. Ludmila Community Center or Hospice of Mercy.