Charles W. Sonka, 95 died Tuesday, March 28 at the Solon Care Center.  Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2006 at St. Ludmila Catholic Church with Fr. Tom McDermott presiding.  Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids where there will be a 7 p.m. parish vigil.  Visitation will also be an hour prior to services Saturday at the Church.

Charles was born April 7, 1910 the son of Frank and Julia Medek Sonka in Linn County.

He married Velma Rushek October 25, 1933 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church near Solon.

Charles is survived by his sons Tom (Marilyn) of Cedar Rapids, Sam (Sheila) of Lexington, Kentucky and Dr. Steve (Vicki) of Cherokee; eight grandchildren Dr.Brian, Mark, Joe, Michael, David, Matthew, Tom and Nancy; five greatgrandchildren Evan and Samantha Sonka, Isabel Sonka, Lukas and Julia Sonka; three sisters Sister Consolata Sonka of Omaha, Nebraska, Rose Rezac of Staten Island, New York, and Therese Ballard of Portland, Oregon.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife Velma who died on September 23, 1994, a brother Frank Sonka, and a sister Josephine Tisl.

Charles lived in Minnesota as a young boy, then farmed many years on land south of Cedar Rapids raising hogs and cattle.  He loved gardening, Czech music and could play the concertina and harmonica.  He loved raising and eating popcorn and playing pinochle.  His real passion in life was talking about his grandchildren and the "good old days".  The last six years, Charles was a resident of the Solon Care Center, where he enjoyed many visits from his friends and family.  The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff who made it feel like home.

Memorials may be directed to the Solon Care Center.