Marian Louise Cejka

Marian Louise Cejka was born on September 29, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa.  She lost her brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on March 21, 2017 at the age of 92.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Donald J. Cejka.  She is survived by her four children, Jan Fuccillo (Ralph), Gary Cejka, Nancy Kirchhoff (Dwayne) and David Cejka, as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

After graduating from high school, Marian worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in a munitions plant in Des Moines during WWII.  She was very proud of this and her story is chronicled at the Rosie the Riveter museum in Richmond, CA.   She then went on to attend college at Iowa State University where she met the love of her life, Donald, after he had returned from serving in the Army in several WWII campaigns in Europe and Africa.  They married and eventually moved to Omaha where they raised their four children.  The family always joked that they had “two” families because the two older children are 10-15 years older than the younger two, but the entire family remained close despite that age gap.

Marian studied art in college and was a gifted oil painter.  Several of her paintings still adorn the walls of the family home.  Her creativeness and eye for color were definitely an asset for her most favorite passion of flower gardening.  She had multiple beautiful flower beds scattered throughout the yard and she tended them with great care.  At age 79, she got down on her hands and knees and dug out a very large section of the front lawn where she planted another incredible flower bed!  Her son, Gary, was always there by her side to help with the gardening projects and other things around the house.  He was her best friend for years and years.

Marian and Don loved to bowl in their earlier years and were on several teams together.  They also had a tight knit group of friends they played bridge with over the years, hosting many bridge parties themselves.  Of course, there was their annual trip to Las Vegas, but we think Marian mostly went in support of Don’s gambling hobby!!

Marian was a hard-working, independent, caring person who always put her family first.  Even after “retiring” Marian continued to work part time until she was 83 years old!  It is likely she would have continued working beyond that, but the Alzheimer’s disease intervened.  She showed compassion to many and will be missed deeply by her family and friends.

The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Edgewood Vista.  We were so blessed to have such kind and caring people taking care of our sweet mom in her final years!  We are also very grateful for AseraCare Hospice for their expertise and thoughtful care in her final days.

Please join the family in a CELEBRATION OF LIFE at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific Street, on Thursday, April 6th at 10:00am, with a luncheon immediately following at the church.  There will be a private interment at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

 

1 Condolence

  • Mike & Sandy Houtman Posted March 25, 2017 2:44 pm

    Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the family of Marion!! We certainly have enjoyed hearing about all your endeavors over the years through your daughter Nancy, and have also enjoyed seeing many wonderful photographs, and paintings! You were truly loved as an amazing mother and will be missed! Many loving prayers are sent to your wonderful family!! Mike & Sandy

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