Richard Vernon Smejkal, 89 of Cedar Rapids, died Monday October 8, 2007 at West Ridge Care Center from a lengthy illness.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 12, 2007 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids with Rev. Glenn Hunt, where full military will be conducted by the VFW Post 788.   Burial to follow in Czech National Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Richard was born July 21, 1918 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Frank and Mary Hillmer Smejkal.  He married Velma Skalsky on July 21, 1947 in the Little Brown Church in the Vale.  Richard was a member of the VFW Post 788.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and the outdoors.

Richard is survived by his son Richard (Sylvia) Smejkal of Paradise, CA; his step-grandson Jeffrey Hodsdon; step-greatgrandchildren Ashley Reynolds and Aniya Reynolds all of Roseville, CA; sister Catherine Stroleny of Swisher and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Velma; brothers Leo, Leonard, Frank, and Lumir; and his stepgrandson Charles Hodsdon.

Memorials may be directed to the Essence of Life Hospice, 3207 220 ^th Trail, Amana, Iowa 52203.