Lumir "Fritz" Joseph Merta, 93, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, September 14, 2014 in his home. Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, with Reverend Glenn Hunt presiding. Full military rites will be conducted. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brosh Chapel. Lumir was born May 21, 1921 in Amana, the son of Frank and Tracy (Jirsa) Merta. He served four years in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, Lumir returned and was united in marriage to Bernice Stastny on March 16, 1946 at Hus Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. He worked as a painter for Broulik Brothers from 1946 - 1952. Lumir and Bernice farmed in the Fairfax area from 1952-1986 until moving to Cedar Rapids. Lumir was a member of the VFW, Fairfax American Legion, Elks, WFLA Lodge 500 and a supporter of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. Lumir is survived by his wife of over 68 years Bernice; three children Lee J. (Marrilyn) Merta, Lynne Derosiers and Laurie Smith; six grandchildren Roger (Michelle) Merta, Kimberlee Naber, Corey, Kurt and Kyle Derosiers and Deloren Smith; four great-grandchildren Andrew and Ashlee Naber, Samantha and Jessica Merta; sister-in-laws Jan Merta, Lou Kulhavy and Betty (Eldie) Svoboda; as well as several nieces and nephews Lumir was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Frank and Libby Stastny; a brother Emil (Miladore) Merta, sisters Eleanore (Ernie) Serbousek and Leona (Elmer) Kloubec; and a brother-in-law Bill Kulhavy. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.