Wesley Koudelka
April 28, 1920 ~ October 1, 2012
Wesley Koudelka, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, October 1, 2012, at Northbrook Manor Care Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by Chaplain Jeremy Hudson. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial: Ely Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Ely, with military honors. Survivors include his wife, DeVota; daughters, Carol Wilson of Cedar Rapids, and Kay Oloff of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Jeffrey Novak, Rod Souchek, Benjamin Souchek, Brian Wilson, and Kris Souchek; great grandchildren, Isabella, Melanie, Jalyn, Jacob, Kyle, and Anna Marie; and brother, Charles Koudelka of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Wes was born April 28, 1920, in Cresco, Iowa, the son of Vaclav and Olga (Trachta) Koudelka. He served in the US Army during World War II for four years, spending time in Italy and Africa. On June 26, 1946, he married DeVota Coghlan in Cedar Rapids. For many years, he and DeVota owned and operated Koudelka Painting and Decorating and the Plaza Paint Store. He was also past president of the state chapter of the Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. They retired in 1987. Wes and DeVota enjoyed their retirement by spending winters in Weslaco, Texas for 16 years. They have friends from all over the United States and Canada as a result of being a 'Winter Texan.' He loved square dancing, and was an avid Hawkeye fan, especially football and basketball. He was a member of CSPS and ZCBJ. Wes' many hobbies included gardening and flowers, playing volleyball with his grandsons, and watching golf and tennis on television. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, George.
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Grandpa, you were an AMAZING man to say the least. You were my hero… You had a great life and fought the good fight. I wish i could have been around more the last few years to spend more time with you. You have left me with great memories tho. I will love and miss you always!
Uncle Wes, I will forever remember all the card parties at our house growing up. I will miss your sense of humor and will hold you in my heart forever.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family, Carol, on the loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Carol and Family
I was sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. May your love and wonderful memories of your Dad help ease some of your pain. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I remember Wes, even though I was a kid. He always had a hello for me. Wes worked for my grandfather and dad, H.L. Johnson Painting & Decorating. Grandpa & dad always had nice thoughts for Wes.
What a great man! I am so happy to think of him restored to his old self and probably hanging out with my dad. While my heart hurts that he’s gone, I am so proud to have had him in my life. God bless all of you.
Dad, it hasn’t even been a week since you went to Heaven though it seems like an eternity since I have seen your smile and heard your voice. Thank you so much for the love that you shared throughout your life, you and Mom have been my rock. Do you remember when you and Mom square danced at Bever Park when I was little and you had to carry me into the house because I fell asleep in the car? I have a confession to make, alot of those times that you had to carry me into the house and put me to bed I wasn’t really asleep, I just wanted to feel your arms around me as you carried me in. Thank you for all of the DQ’s on First Ave, the Tootsie Roll Pops from Mays Drug store after Church and the gum balls every Friday night when we went to the bank to deposit your checks. I LOVED spending time with you, even if it was folding your drop cloths, climbing on the roof with you, riding in the car to get gas or going to Uncle Georges garage with you. I was with you and that was all that mattered. I LOVE YOU and I MISS YOU. Thank you for the life that you and Mom have given me. I will NEVER forget the times that we have shared!! I LOVE YOU!!