Melvin Jirak

Melvin Jirak, age 89, of Spillville died Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at his home Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 7, 2013 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, with Rev. Donald Hawes presiding burial will be in the church cemetery Visitation will be on Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00 at the Balik Funeral Home in Spillville with a rosary at 4:00 there will also be visitation at the funeral home Friday from 9:00 – 10:30. Melvin William Jirak was born on August 15, 1923, the son of William and Emma (Novak) Jirak near Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Melvin attended country schools and later obtained his GED. Melvin was united in marriage on Sept. 26, 1959, to Eleanor Neuzil at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa. He farmed and worked road construction. Melvin also worked at Oliver the Spillville Mill, Camcar and at Ernie’s Ag in Spillville. He served on the Spillville City Council for thirty-two years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to the “Boat”, listening to Polka music, doing word search and going for coffee and having lively debates. Above all, he loved his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Melvin’s survivors include his wife: Eleanor, Spillville, IA. Two daughters: Colleen (Michael) Syverson, Mason City, IA, Linda Jirak, Decorah, IA. Four grandchildren: Nicole Jirak, Robert (Jessi) Syverson, Sarah (Alex) Dickerson, and Keara Syverson. Two great grandchildren: Hunter Jirak Selden and Makenna Syverson. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Cyril & Becky Neuzil, Calmar, IA; Anthony & Vicky Neuzil, Marion, IA; Justina (Curtis) Crabtree, Hiawatha, IA; and Dorothy Neuzil, Spillville, IA. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents: William and Emma Jirak. One brother: Richard Jirak. One sister: Marlyse Neuzil. Three brothers-in-law: August, Frank and Lewis Neuzil. One sister-in-law: Mary Jirak