Marilyn Rose Popelka, 91, of Cedar Rapids, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at West Ridge Care Center.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Radiant Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Czech National Cemetery.

Marilyn was born on July 23, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to George and Rose (Lana) Svec. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1952 and was united in marriage to David Popelka on February 14, 1954, at Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage, building a life marked by faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Nothing was more important to Marilyn than her faith in Jesus Christ and the people she loved. She was a faithful member of Radiant Church, where she found encouragement, purpose, and lifelong friendships. Her adult Sunday school class became much more than a class. It was a close-knit community that cared deeply for one another through every season of life. Marilyn and David also found great joy in mentoring engaged couples and investing in marriages that would flourish for years to come.

Marilyn treasured the home she and David built together, where family and friends were always welcomed with warmth and hospitality. Together they enjoyed traveling, whether taking day trips across Iowa with friends or returning to Door County, one of their favorite destinations. They had a gift for making friends wherever they went while faithfully nurturing the friendships they had built over a lifetime.

Her greatest joy was her family. Marilyn dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, delighting in passing along traditions and creating memories that will be treasured for generations. She was especially known for her delicious kolaches and Christmas cookies, and many of her grandchildren remember standing beside her in the kitchen learning to make them. Family gatherings often included making homemade sauerkraut, noodles, and fresh apple cider together. She loved welcoming people into her home and had an eye for beauty, especially antique dishes, cut glass, family heirlooms, and the thoughtful touches that made others feel cared for. Marilyn also played an important role at the original Kava House & Café in Swisher, owned by Karen, Craig, Jim, and Julie, where she proudly served as the unofficial “head of quality control.”

Marilyn had a creative spirit and found joy in sewing, painting, and quilting alongside David. For many years, family members eagerly anticipated the handmade Christmas ornaments she lovingly created for them. Even after losing much of her vision, she refused to let that tradition end. With remarkable determination and love, Marilyn continued making ornaments, reflecting the perseverance that characterized her life. Music was another lifelong passion, and she found great fulfillment playing both the piano and the pipe organ.

She cherished the friendships she cultivated throughout her life and enjoyed being part of the Christian Women’s Club and the Red Hat Ladies, where laughter and friendship were shared in abundance. Marilyn also found satisfaction in serving others during her years as a teller at United States Bank near Czech Village.

Marilyn will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, generous hospitality, and steadfast love. She lived a life of kindness and grace, investing in people, creating beauty, and making everyone around her feel at home. Through the faith she lived, the traditions she began, and the family she cherished so deeply, her legacy will continue for generations.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Jim (Julie) Popelka, Karen (Craig) Vondracek, and Tom (Becky) Popelka; six grandchildren, Jessica (Clint) Mersch, Jacob Popelka, Jocelyn (Zach) Johnston, Austin (Leah) Vondracek, Leesha (Jamie) Murray, and Bryce Popelka (Morgan Bennett); eleven great-grandchildren, Brecken and Maxton Mersch, Ford, Helen, Alden, and Thatcher Vondracek, Brooklyn Popelka, Lakelan, Willa, and Harlow Murray, and Cora Johnston; her sister-in-law, Judy Svec; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David; her parents, George and Rose Svec; her brother, Gary Svec; and her sister-in-law Mary (Bill) Dykhuizen.

Memorials may be directed to Radiant Church.

A special thank you to those who helped care for Marilyn at RidgeView Assisted Living, West Ridge Care Center, and Hospice of Mercy.

Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre are in charge of arrangements.