Viola R. Zahradnik

Viola R. Zahradnik, 95, of Ely, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025. The family will host a memorial service starting at 10:30 a.m. February 17, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 11100 Spanish Road, Ely. Private inurnment will take place at Rogers Grove Cemetery in Ely at a later date.

Viola was born on January 31, 1929, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to William and Olga (Dobrovsky) Faltis. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School’s Class of 1946, she was a proud member of the choir and a contributor to the school newspaper. During her youth, Viola was a member of the College Chickadee’s 4-H Club and cultivated a “Victory Garden” to support the war effort. Her dedication and skill were recognized when she earned a Blue Ribbon and a watch in a local Sears canning contest.

On September 22, 1948, Viola married Lumir Zahradnik at Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. Together, they worked the farm, with Viola milking cows alongside her husband. Her professional career began at Interocean Reinsurance Company, where she worked from 1946 to 1948. She then held roles at True Value Hardware, her sister’s business, Novotny Flower Shop, and Bezdek Flower Shop in Marion, eventually managing Bezdek’s Edgewood Road location. 

Active in her community, Viola was a member of several organizations, including the Homemakers Club, the Ely Rebekah Lodge #56, the Western Bohemian Fraternal Association, and the Ely Town & Country Social Group. She proudly marched in parades with the ZCBJ Drill Team and was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Ely. Viola also brought her creative touch to the city markets, where she delighted customers with her homemade cookies, breads, and crafts. In her free time, she enjoyed gathering with neighbors for lively card games, especially Pinochle.

Survivors include her children, Ron (Sandi) Zahradnik of Ely, and Larry Zahradnik of Fallbrook, California; grandchildren, Jared (Stacey) Kvapil, Ryan (Kelly) Zahradnik, Brandon Zahradnik, Daniel (Lucy) Zahradnik, Gayla (Eddie) Johnston, and Gloria Zahradnik; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Olga Faltis; husband, Lumir Zahradnik; daughter, Linda (Dave) Kvapil; brother, William (Helen) Faltis; and sister, Mae (Frank) Novotny.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to UnityPoint Homecare, UnityPoint Hospice, and The Gardens of Cedar Rapids for the compassionate and loving care provided.