BARBARA ELLEN HLADEK Cedar Rapids Barbara Ellen Hladek, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, after a valiant battle with Lewy Body dementia and diabetes. Daughter of the late Florence Ellen Bean and Herman Jay Bean, Barbara was born Jan. 27, 1939, in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Barbara attended Mount Vernon High School, where she participated in speech association, theater, four years in band, majored in vocal music and graduated in 1957. Barbara married Douglas Allan Hladek on April 15, 1961, and was blessed with two children. Besides being a wonderful mother, Barbara was an avid gardener, talented artist and a wonderful cook. She loved nature, especially birds, flowers, blue skies and sunsets, and was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs and Willie Nelson. A love for travel took Barbara and her family to many wonderful destinations. Barbara attended Kirkwood Community College, where she earned first her LPN and, then while working full time, went back to earn her R.N. degree. She was a dedicated, hard-working and caring nurse for 28 years and took loving care of every mother and baby over those years. Barbara is survived by husband, Douglas; son, Doug Hladek; daughter, Diane (Rusty) Lingenfelter; grandchildren, Lee Lingenfelter, Jay Lingenfelter, Margret Lingenfelter and Samantha (Brandon) Maske; and great-granddaughter, Blaire. Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Frank and Addie Butler; mother, Florence Bean; dad, Herman Bean; sister, Jeri Lou (Mike) Ceynar; and brother, Robert Bean. Arrangements are being handled through Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids. Per Barbara's wishes, no formal services are being scheduled at this time. Her family will likely plan an informal celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cedar Valley Humane Society or Meals on Wheels. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Bell and Renee Grummer-Miller of the Palliative Care team at St. Luke's Hospital, the staff at Winslow House Care Center and the hospice team at Care Initiatives. "My last. I am gone, but remember as you knew me." Online condolences may be left for the family at iowacremation.com under obituaries.

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Published by The Gazette on Feb. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hladek

Sponsored by Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Anna Strand

February 7, 2021

Barb took a 20 year old newly graduated RN and taught her how to be a compassionate and knowledgeable nurse. I worked many times with her on the night shift at St Luke’s and respected her so much.

Lee Hladek-Tubbs and Sherre Tubbs

February 4, 2021

Doug, Diane, Doug, Jr. & Family,
Barbara's obituary described her well. She was a lovely lady who knew how to live a good and full life.
Our warmest condolences to you all.
With Love from Lee Hladek-Tubbs and Sherre Tubbs

Terry Gearhart

February 3, 2021

Heartfelt sympathies to the entire Hladek family. Very fond memories of Barb growing up playing basketball and baseball at the house and in the neighborhood. Marlene is in Missouri and send her condolences to everyone as well. Hold on to the many good memories, god bless.

Debra J Schmelling

February 3, 2021

Was so sad to hear of Barb's passing. I too met Barb back in the '80's while working at St Luke's Birthplace. I loved Barb!! Always looked forward to working with her on the night shift during my rotation. Loved her sense of humor, her stories, her kindness. Thought of her often when I left & what a special lady she was. My sympathies to the family

Barb Neal Hutchins

February 3, 2021

I started in kindergarten with Barb and we were classmates until graduation from Mt. Vernon High School in 1957. Just before our senior year she became part of my Neal family and lived with us for that year following the death of her grandmother, with whom she had been living. This was a great break for me since she shared my weekly tasks of cleaning the kitchen (after dinner for 7) and weekly cleaning the upstairs bedrooms. She always did a better job then I did at both of these duties. She was very neat, I was NOT. We went our separate ways while attending college and starting our own families but reconnected again, in later years, while we both worked at St. Luke's Hospital. May you rest in peace, my friend.

Gregg Klocke

February 3, 2021

My condolences to Doug, Diane, and Mr. Hladek. Mrs. H was a lovely woman. She always had a smile and a kind word for me. I will remember her with fondness. May God Bless your family as you adjust to her passing.

Kindest regards,
Gregg Klocke

Robin Rowray

February 2, 2021

I first met Barb at St. Luke’s Birth care center. I was a new nurse at 29 years old and I was afraid she was going to eat me alive. However, her and I became really good friends. I worked nights with Barb and she had a great sense of humor. She made me laugh a lot ! She sure will be missed but remembered with wonderful thoughts !

Shir-Lee Zenisek Miskimen

February 2, 2021

Hladek famiy. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you my thoughts and sympathy as you go through this most difficult time.

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