Donald Kouba

Donald Kouba, 77, passed away October 23, 2015 at the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit at St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Services were held Tuesday, October 27 at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, with burial in the Czech National Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Donald was born October 1, 1938 in Cedar Rapids to Edward Joseph and Adeline Marie (Rericha) Kouba. Don graduated from McKinley High School and Coe College. He worked for Rockwell Collins and retired from the University of Iowa.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon, of Hiawatha, and a very special four-legged friend, Molly. He is also survived by Sharon’s family, Delores (Joe) Kroack and their son, James, James and Beverly Walsh, Cheryl (Jerry) Bollman, Kim (Phyllis) Walsh, Mary Lou Walsh, and many great-, great-, great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Wencil and Marie Kouba and Louis and Anna (Jandera) Rericha; and his aunt, Libby Andrews.
Don met and married the love of his life, Sharon Topel, October 11, 1969 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Monona. They made their home in Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. He always told everyone he was going to marry a rich farmer’s daughter. Sharon was a farmer’s daughter, but riches came in other ways.
Don was a member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, a 50-plus year member of El Kahir Shrine, El Kahir Hospital Dads, a 50-plus year member of Mizpah Lodge, and a 50-plus year member of Scottish Rites. He and Sharon belonged to the Kettelsen Camping Club and enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Don and Sharon were volunteers with Camp Courageous for many years and also served on the Pineapple Gala Committee. Don enjoyed woodworking and making things for other people. He enjoyed being an amateur radio operator for many years and answered to KB0YIQ. Don belonged to many environmental organizations over the years as well as serving as an officer in many of them.
Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.