Irma Marie Modracek, 84, of Western in rural Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday in the home she loved, after a 7 - year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Her loving husband of 64 ½ years, Leo, and her family were at her side. Her body has been donated for research to the University of Iowa School of Medicine.  A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church near Ely, July 19 at 11 AM with a luncheon following in the church Fellowship Hall.  Visitation will be an hour prior to services at the church.  Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

Born Irma Marie Rigel March 18, 1924 on her parents' farm in College Twp., her early years were spent helping with the dairy herd and developing the gardening skills which became a life-long passion -- providing nutritious, healthy fruits and vegetables for her family's meals. She graduated from Shueyville High School in 1942 and as 'Irky', maintained friendships with her best friends 'Arky' and 'Dorky' throughout her life.

She married Leo Modracek on January 5, 1944 at Ely, followed him to various duty stations while he served in the Navy, worked for Shell Oil Company in California doing her part in the war effort and raised four children. Irma played piano accompaniment for student competitions and had a love of music which she expressed in many ways: listening and dancing to Polkas and Waltzes with Leo, encouraging musical talents in her children, singing in the Czech Choir (Czech Heritage Society) and in the adult choir at the First Presbyterian Church near Ely where she also taught Sunday School and Bible School. She especially loved directing the Cherub and Youth Choirs there and greatly missed being able to participate in music as PSP took away her ability to do so.

Irma was a member of the Johanna Society of the First Presbyterian Church, Ely St. Quentin Post #555 American Legion Auxiliary for 75 years, volunteered for many years both at St. Luke's Hospital and as a tutor at Prairie Elementary School, was a Cub Scout Den Mother and Camp Fire Girls Leader, a member of the Board of Directors of the Czech Fine Arts Foundation (later Board of Directors of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library (NCSML), volunteered at and was a benefactor of the NCSML and a member of Ely Rebecca Lodge #56 (I.O.O.F.)

Irma was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Bess Rigel, one niece and one grandniece. She is survived by her husband, Leo; her sons, Darryl (Marilyn) Modracek of Eldersburg, Maryland, Glenn (Sharon) Modracek of Cedar Rapids and Larry (Becky) Modracek of Lisbon; her daughter, Kim (Curt) Ingwersen of Lake Park, IA; her sisters, Irene (Charles) Vavra of Ely and Norma (Dr. Eugene) Rousseau of Bloomington, IN; a brother, Marvin (Hermina) Rigel of rural Cedar Rapids; eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Linda Hey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Irma's name to the Society for Supranuclear Palsy (payable to CURE PSP) are encouraged, and may be directed to the family for forwarding.