Dave,
Just writing to let you know my mother, Melva, passed away early Friday morning, January 11th. She was going strong at 93, and lived alone in the same house my parents bought in 1951. We are so grateful she was in no pain and did not linger. Her visitation is this Tuesday, January 15th, at Lensing’s on Kirkwood from 4 to 7 and the funeral mass starts at 10am at St. Mary’s. She was an inspiration to us all, as she lived life to the fullest until she died.
Thanks,
Bill
Bill gave us permission to post his mother’s obituary as a tribute to her life.
Melva Eileen Petrak, 93, of Coralville, died at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City on Friday January 11, 2013, surrounded by her family, under the care of Iowa City Hospice. Visitation was Tuesday January 15 from 4 -7pm at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 am Wednesday, January 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. Burial followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Mary’s or to Iowa City Hospice.
Melva was born Sept. 3, 1919 in Oxford, IA. She was the daughter of James and Winifred Cooney Leeney. She was the second of five Leeney daughters; Vivian (Hedges), Bernice (Kron), Mary (Kallaus) and Marge (Thormann). She graduated from Oxford high school in 1938 where she also played basketball. Melva obtained a nurses aide certification through the U of I where she worked in pediatrics for two years.
Melva moved to Detroit, MI. where she got a job at Chrysler as “Rosie the Riveter” working on airplanes during the war. When the war ended she worked on Chrysler cars.
Melva married Richard Petrak, of North Liberty on April 29, 1944. After eight years in Detroit they returned to Iowa City in 1951 and purchased a home in Coralville the only home they ever lived in. They had three children; Ann, Bill and Mike. She worked at Oaknoll for ten years and worked at Hillcrest Dormitory for 14 years.
Melva enjoyed bowling and also liked playing cards, especially Euchre. She liked the Cubs and the Hawkeyes. She was a member of the Coralville Rec Center’s exercise group and she lived independently until recently. At age 81 she traveled to Ireland with family to celebrate her Irish heritage. At 85 she went to Scotland. At 90 she celebrated with a large party at St. Mary’s. Melva recently traveled to Denver with family to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed her Coralville neighbors, including longtime friend Julie Weidner.
Survivors include her children Ann (Kevin) Satterly of Coralville; Bill (Cindy) Petrak of Waukee, IA; and Mike (Missy) Petrak of Denver, CO. Grandchildren include Ryan and Nicole Satterly, Jacob and Nate Petrak, and Hannah and Nick Petrak. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard and her four sisters.