Emil Thomas Velky Sr., 85, of Solon, died Sunday, June 11, 2017 at the Solon Nursing Care Center.  Celebration of Life Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids.  Burial will follow in Sulek Cemetery, near Shueyville, where full military rites will be conducted by the Solon American Legion.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Emil was born January 30, 1932 in rural Solon, the son of Thomas and Clara (Netolicky) Velky. Emil served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Buchanan on November 3, 1956 in Shabbona, Illinois.  Emil and Mary farmed near Ainsworth until moving to Ely, continuing farming and operating the trucking company.

Emil is survived by his children Emil "Butch" Velky Jr. (Dona Wensel) of Palo, Gloria (Pat) Malatek of Ely, Cheryl Velky of Brandon, Charlie (Julie) Velky of Solon, Brian (Karrie) Velky of Ely and Tanya Velky (Chris McAfee) of Cedar Rapids; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and a sister Annelee "Annie" Machacek of Solon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, his brother Rudy (Norma) Velky, his daughter Donna Clark, and a brother-in-law Mike Machacek.

Memorials may be directed to the family.