Donald Joseph Hruby, 95, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, at The Meth Wick Community. Celebration of Life graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, in Czech National Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW.

Donald was born July 29, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Joseph and Bessie (Yansky) Hruby. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, near the neighborhood in which he grew up. He was a humble World War II veteran with the U.S. Army serving in the Pacific arena. On June 1, 1953, he married Gladys V. Chaloupka, the love of his life and polka partner.

Thanks to the GI Bill, Don completed his pharmacy degree at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, and went on to a long career in positions at St. Luke's Hospital and the Linn County Home.

Don loved the home in woods that he and Gladys built on Chaloupka family land in the rural Solon/Shueyville area. With retirement, he was constantly working on the house, determined to "fix it himself." He also was a great polka partner for Gladys, as they traveled the Midwest following favorites like the Dave Dighton band. Staying close to home was fine with Don and Gladys, but they enjoyed traveling to Bayfield, Wis., for their anniversary and also made retirement trips to Mexico, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and ever proud of their heritage, to Prague, Czech Republic.

Don's last family visit was on his 95th birthday, where he enjoyed kolaches, sitting with Gladys and, as usual, sharing tales of the past.

Don is survived by his wife, Gladys; his son, Bruce (Stacy) Hruby of Oconomowoc, Wis.; three grandsons, Dustin (Kacey) Hruby Wyttenhove of Minneapolis, Minn., Peter Hruby of St. Paul, Minn., and Alex Hruby of North Liberty; his sister, Vlasta Brase of Janesville, Wis.; as well as his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jerry (Lois) Hruby; sister-in-law, Arlene (Clarence) Netolicky; and his son, Doug Hruby, who died in September 2013.

Memorials may be directed to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.