Gilbert "Gil" L. Lopata, 80, died Monday, January 15, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from a sudden illness.  A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.  A private family inurnment will be at a later date.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2018.

Gilbert was born August 5, 1937 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Emil and Bertha (Phelps) Lopata.  He attended Wilson High School and later joined the United States Army from 1955-58.  Gil worked for over 30 years at Wilson Foods/Farmstead and later for The City of Cedar Rapids – Parks and Recreation, where he was affectionately known as the "Lawn Ranger".  Gil was united in marriage to Magdalen "Maggie" Summer on October 15, 1960 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.  Gil enjoyed catfishing and camping on "Gil's Island" on the Cedar River, boating, waterskiing and going to the casinos with Maggie, but most of all spending time with his family.  The many vacations in Minnesota are treasured memories.

Gil is survived by his wife Maggie of over 57 years; children John (Patti) Lopata of Amana, Diana (Jeff Enzor) Lopata of Norway, Jeff (Thereasa) Lopata of Cedar Rapids and James (Jennifer) Lopata of Troy Mills; eight grandchildren Sara (James) Lyons, Justin (Megan) Lopata, Keilly Lopata, Emma Lopata, Madalyn Lopata, Austin Greenman, Dakota Lopata, and Hunter Lopata; two great-grandchildren Michael Lyons and Carson Lopata; his sister Marietta (Harry) Heater of Logansport, Indiana as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father John Zahn, his siblings Loretta (Dick) Adams, and Gloria (Larry) Erickson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.