Vernon John Kriz, 82 of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, from a brief illness.  Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.  A private family inurnment will be at a later date.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Vernon was born August 31, 1925 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Charles and Clara Kubicek Kriz.  He was a past national champion drummer as a child.  He graduated as class president from Wilson High School and was a member of National Honor Society.  Vernon served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.  He married Celestine "Sally" Darrow on June 2, 1946 in Cedar Rapids.  Vernon was a 33 ^rd Degree Mason, a band member of the El Kahir Shrine Club, Past Master of Crescent Lodge #25, Sokol, Veterans Band, Jesters Club, Optimist Club, and the Cedar Rapids Horsemans Club.  He taught drums for many years.  Vernon owned and operated Lumberland for over 35 years in Cedar Rapids.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed by many.

Vernon is survived by his children: Judy Fields of Cedar Rapids, Steven (Vickie) Kriz of Mt. Vernon, and Jeri Wilson of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren Koryn (Curtis) Anderson, Kirsten (Chad) Kallies, Devin, Garrett, Gillian and Wilson, Tyson, Dustin and Dayna Kriz, Katie and Kendall Cucinotta; two greatgrandchildren Jade Upah and Dylan Kriz; a special companion Charlotte Baker of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Sally, a daughter Janet Cucinotta, sons in law Thomas Fields and Mike Wilson.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Sokol, Crescent Lodge, El Kahir Shrine, and or the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.