Jim Cihak

Jim Cihak, 91, died July 24, 2016, at his residence in Norwalk. Mass of Christian Burial will be noon Thursday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston. The Rev. Ken Halbur will officiate. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Creston. Open visitation and family will receive friends from 11 a.m. till service time Thursday at the church, one hour prior to service.

Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 W. Montgomery St. in Creston, is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Department for the Blind. Online condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Jim Cihak was born on December 1, 1924, in Union County to James Vincent and Josephine Mary (Deholein) Cihak. As a boy, Jim worked alongside his parents and fell in love with farming. He attended and graduated from Afton High School with the class of 1942. As a young man, Jim continued to farm with his parents.

Farming was a passion for Jim, never just a job. In 1950, a farm accident left him without sight in both eyes. This loss of such a vital sense did not interfere with Jim’s knowledge of the land or skill as a farmer, carpenter and mechanic. He returned to the family farm, managing his crops and livestock.

On January 2, 1954, Jim married Verlee Hunt at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines. Jim and Verlee worked on the farm and raised three children. Jim was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church in Afton and Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jim is survived by his children, Mike (Joy) Cihak of Afton, Julie (Mark Cullen) Cihak of West Des Moines and Gregg Cihak of Indianola; grandchildren, Lora (Justin) Swan, Vincent Cihak and James K. (April Hughes) Cihak; great-grandchildren, Houston and Kaylee Swan; sister-in-law, Margie Wilson of Creston; and extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Verlee, in 1994 and his sister, Mary Jo Cihak, in 2013.