Ellsworth Charles Cizek

2-28-1927 - 3-21-2022

I was born in the town of Clutier, Iowa February 28, 1927 to my parents Charles and Albina (Karkosh) Cizek. I graduated from high school in 1944. I helped my father in the grocery store where I met the love of my life, Marlys Wacha.  I served my time in the US Navy 2 years in China. We married in April 1948 at Holy Trinity Church NW of Vining, Iowa.  We farmed for 40 years SE of Traer.  During this time we raised four children Jacqueline (Louis) Winchip, Cedar Rapids, Joel (Connie)Lake Placid, Florida, Jeffrey (Lynn) Traer, and Jo Ellen (Ray) Kubik, Traer.

During and following my farming career, I drove school bus, was on the Board of Directors for Bohemian Mutual and sold insurance for them and for Aflac and Catholic Order of Foresters.  I also had a small sign business.  I was also involved with Lions Club, Clutier Legion Post, ZCBJ, Knights of Columbus and also helped with Meals on Wheels. I was also on the Clutier Fire Dept.

I had to be busy doing something.  Did a lot of fishing; nearly every day I went to a pond or lake; even went to Canada a few times. Loved spending time in my shop, always found something to create or needed fixing!! (I even wrote this obit)!!

In 1991, after my farm sale, we tore down an old house in Traer and built our new home where we lived until 2016 when we moved into Sunrise Hill Assisted Living.  We were there only a short time, when Marlys passed away.  I then discovered a new friend, who I had for a short 18 months when I lost her also.

Ellsworth passed away March 21, 2022, and is now spending time with that Love of His Life, Marlys, his sister, Doris Formanek, brother-in-law, Raymond Formanek, sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Pavelka, Donald Pavelka; brother-in-law Paul Skarda, Mildred Skarda, sister-in-law, Pauline Skarda, sister-in-law, nephew, Dr. James Skarda and that Best Friend, Sandy Boomer.  In addition, he has lost many, many friends, way too many to name or count!!

Ellsworth was a very social guy with a sense of humor. He never met a stranger!!  He knew everyone or thought they looked like someone and he proceeded to begin a conversation!!   Presto... New Friend........?!!

He was very active in his Assisted Living Community and was always trying to get the others to play cards, games or at least visit!!  He loved playing pepper and doing puzzles. Definitely the life of the party!!

He even made awesome personalized greeting cards on his computer for friends and family. He made more than 3000 according to his notebook!!

Ell recently transferred from assisted to the skilled unit in November, where he was enjoying his "new" friends.

Ellsworth leaves behind four children, Jacque, Joel, Jeff, and JoEllen; thirteen grandchildren, Angela (John) DeKoster, Charlie (Carrie) Cizek, Michael Cizek; Gina Merrill, Sara (Joe) Younge, Liza (Jeff) Pullen; Cara (Brian) Hintz; Bryant (Ashley) Cizek, Tyler (Ashton) Cizek; Cassie (Matt) Schill, TJ (Chanlie) Kubik, Alex (Lisa) Kubik, Sierra (Jordan) Hagedon.  He also leaves behind 30 plus great-grandchildren (with more on the way!!) as well as three great-great grands. He loved the little ones!!!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 25, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer, IA with Father Anthony Boahen Nketiah as celebrant.  Interment will follow at St. Paul's Church Cemetery in Traer. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 4-7 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church.