After residing her entire life within 400 feet of her birthplace, Irene Frances Pudil, 92 of Swisher, passed away from heart disease on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids , located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Burial at Anderson Cemetery in Swisher followed by a luncheon served by the auxiliary at the Swisher American Legion. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids .

Irene was born April 23, 1917 in Swisher, the only child of Arthur E. and Frances Petrak Marak. Her years of education were spent at the Swisher Elementary School and Grant High School in Cedar Rapids where she graduated in 1935. She always spoke fondly of riding the Crandic interurban to Cedar Rapids at 6:30 in the morning, walking a block to Grant and having to turn on the lights in the school before anyone arrived and then waiting at the depot after school and not arriving home until 7 in the evening. August 23, 1938, she married Edwin J. Pudil also of Swisher. She and Ed spent many enjoyable winters in Florida and summer vacations in Ear Falls , Ontario , Canada at the camp now owned by their granddaughter Gretchen and her husband David. Irene worked for her father in Marak's General Store, as a switchboard operator at the local telephone company, as an assistant postmaster at the local office (for which she received no salary or benefits), as part owner of Ed's Tavern in Swisher and as a bookkeeper for Swisher Plumbing Company which she and her husband also owned.

She enjoyed being named Swisher Centennial Queen in 2003 and riding in a Corvette during the parade. Irene was an active member of the Swisher American Legion Auxiliary for many years and donated many hours volunteering there beginning in the 1950's. She was also an excellent cook and baker and we will all miss her kolaches, hoska, pickles and cream puffs.

Irene is survived by two sons, Brian Pudil and Steve (Lynn) Pudil both of Swisher, six grandchildren, Robin (Gena) Pudil of North Liberty, Gretchen (David) Wetendorf of Ear Falls, Ontario, Canada, Kurtis Pudil of Cedar Rapids, Valerie Pudil of Austin, Texas, Corina Merritt and Chad (Kristin) Pudil both of Cedar Rapids. She also has eight great - grandchildren Kody, Kourtney, Wesley Pudil, Michael and Katie Wetendorf, Kyra and Jenna Merritt and Josie Pudil.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 49 years.

The family would like to thank Jennifer, Pam and staff at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Dr. Cindy Squires and staff for their gentle and thoughtful understanding care.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 55 , Swisher , Iowa 52338 for distribution to the Swisher American Legion Auxiliary and to the Hospice House.

We will miss you Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma!