Obituary for Jerry Michael Hadrava

Jerry Michael Hadrava Jr., 76, died at home on September 12, 2007 after a short illness. He was born March 2, 1931 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Jerry and Evelyn Krizek Hadrava. He resided in Cedar Rapids his entire life. He went to Rosedale Grade School through the 8th grade and worked at Cryovac from 1952-92. He retired at the age of 61. He married Lela Garrels in June 1, 1983 in Wichita Falls, Texas. They opened their own nursery business after retirement called the Blooming Hill on Rosedale Rd., which they operated for 16 years. During that time he hybridized over 100 varieties of hostas. He was a member of the American Hosta Society. He served in the US Army. He was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Lela, one brother Larry and wife Anna of Jacksonville, Fla; three daughters, Linda Myers and husband Gary of Cedar Rapids; Karen Sue Brandt and husband Paul; Pamela Schell-Cloyd and husband Greg, all of Ottumwa; three step-daughters, Laura Smith and husband Duane of Ft. Collins, CO; JoAnn Williams of Winston-Salem, NC; and Barbara Helenschmidt and husband Michael of Burkburnett, Texas, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, one nephews and many other family and friends. His hobbies included fishing, hunting and gardening. Working in the garden was his greatest joy and when he was called home, he was ready. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mercy Hospice or plant a flower in your garden in his memory. Friends may pay their last respects at a Family gathering on Monday, September 17, from 5 to 7:30 pm at the Red Cedar Lodge in Squaw Creek County Park in Cedar Rapids, off Hwy 100 by the intersection with Hwy 13. You may access directions to the lodge at www.linncountyparks.com