Mary Lou “Tootie” Melka

MELKA, BEYER, OBRIEN, HOCKEN, SHONKA, DOYLE, BROWN, FRATZKE, BEATTY

Posted By: diane beier (email)
Date: 3/25/2016 at 21:57:20

Mary Lou “Tootie” Melka 86, of Independence, Iowa died peacefully on November 27th, 2014 at Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit of St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA

Mary was born December 8, 1927 in Otterville, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas E. and Lelia M. (Beyer) O’Brien. She was a graduate of Jesup High School in 1945 and attended Kirkwood Community College. On July 28, 1950 Mary was married to Donald Melka in Minnesota. They made their home in Independence; and she retired after many years at Collins Radio Co. of Cedar Rapids, IA.

She loved many things in life most of all her dog Sophie, her family, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband Donald in 2000, and a brother Harvey O’Brien.

She is survived by her children James F. (Kathryn) Melka, Winthrop, IA, Joni M. (Bob) Hocken, Independence, IA, Kris M. (Steve) Shonka, Rowley, IA. Seven grandchildren; Dan Melka, Brian Melka, Adam Melka, Kelley Doyle, Rob Hocken, Andy Shonka, Sally Brown. Seventeen great grandchildren; Carissa Melka, Jacob Melka, Joey Melka, Ryan Melka, Zeva Melka, Giana Melka, Van Melka, Jamie Hocken, Jon Hocken, Jocelyn Hocken, Jadyn Hocken, Hyatt Hocken, Zaladet Shonka, Tevlen Shonka, Voeden Shonka, Liercen Shonka, and one on the way, and Mace Brown. Two sisters Iva Fratzke, Independence, Ia, and Darlene Beatty, Independence, IA, and three brothers, Floyd “Bink” O’Brien, Richard “Dick” O’Brien, and Pat O’Brien

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Monday, December 1st, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, Independence, with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.

Internment in Floral Hills Cemetery, Hazleton, IA. Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM Sunday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA, and 10:30 till services on Monday at the First United Methodist Church.