Frank Robert Samec

1934 - 2024

Frank Robert Samec, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, Iowa. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Ludmila Catholic Parish, Cedar Rapids at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Protivin, Iowa. Frank was born on December 31, 1934, in Ridgeway, Iowa, the son of Frank J. and Alice (Kellner) Samec. He grew up on a farm outside of Ridgeway and had a great appreciation for the outdoors which included hunting and fishing. After attending Ridgeway High School, Frank served in the United States Air Force. He was united in marriage to Marion Hyke on June 20, 1959, in Lourdes, Iowa. For thirty-three years Frank worked for John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, Iowa. Following his retirement from Deere, Frank kept active by working for the City of Waverly and after moving to Cedar Rapids, worked for Per Mar Security. Outside of work, Frank was a volunteer auxiliary police officer, in Waverly. He was a member of UAW Local 838 for over sixty years, was a member of the Knights of Columbus while a member of St. Mary's Parish in Waverly and belonged to the Waverly AMVETS post 79 and Fairfax American Legion post 572. Most of all Frank was loved by his family and many friends. Frank was known for his infectious sense of humor, kindness, and unwavering friendliness. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome, and his generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. Frank is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Marion; daughter, Deb Samec-Colony (Ray) of Iowa City, and son, Frank W Samec of Marengo; grandchildren, Will Colony, Matt Colony, and Ali Samec; siblings, Arthur Samec and Mary McConnell; as well as many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; Edward Samec, Helen Sorensen and Arlene Kruchek. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Frank's memory.