Margery Ann (Rink) Petrzelka

Margery Ann (Rink) Petrzelka

Cedar Rapids

Margery Ann (Rink) Petrzelka, 92 years old, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in her home on the hill.

Born June 4, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Raymond and Irene Rink, Marge attended St. Matthew’s grade school, Mount Mercy Academy, and in 1953 graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.

While working with her dad at Rink Pharmacy, she met Joseph Petrzelka when he stopped in to buy cigars. After a short courtship, they were married May 30, 1954, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. They moved to their house on the hill in 1955, and Memorial Drive S.E. has been her address ever since.

A lover of music, Marge began playing violin during her high school years at Mount Mercy Academy and continued playing with the University of Iowa Symphony. Committed to volunteerism, Marge could always be called upon to bake and help serve funeral luncheons at All Saints Catholic Church, was an active member and secretary of Z.C.B. J. Lodge 262, and for years a Bluebird and Camp Fire Girl Leader. A lifelong learner, Marge was active in Questers, a national organization of those interested in antiques and collectibles. A devoted pharmacist, she maintained her pharmacy license well into her 80’s and donated her professional skills, becoming involved for years with the Community Health Free Clinic to provide pharmaceuticals and advice to those in need.

She is survived by her seven children: Kay (Richard) Dreiss, Robert Joseph (Ann) Petrzelka, Matthew Petrzelka, Martin Petrzelka, Peggy Petrzelka, Ann (Kent) Mahurin, and Anton (Julie) Petrzelka; nine grandchildren: William (Brooke) Dreiss, Kirstin (Reece) Connor; Emily (Murphy) McGrath, Joseph (Lissa) Petrzelka, Jacob (Haley) Petrzelka; Madeline (Justin) Petrzelka, Molly Petrzelka, and their mother Julie F. Petrzelka; Maggie Jo (Damieon) Black, Cormac Mahurin; two great granddaughters: Eleanor Dreiss and Raegan McGrath; sister Katie Cahalan, cousin Peter O’Connor, fifteen nieces and nephews, and sisters in law Barbara Rink and Libby (Robert) Dolezal.

Margery was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Petrzelka, her parents, Raymond and Irene Rink, sisters Sr. Mary Therese Rink BVM, Helen Mangrum, and brother “Sluggo” (Joe) Rink.

The family is incredibly grateful to Marge’s team of wonderful and devoted caregivers, Hospice and Home Health of Mercy, Kris Wagaman ARNP, and all her health care providers.

Given her love of music, learning, nature, and helping, memorials may be directed to: Iowa Public Radio, Friends of Iowa PBS, National Audubon Society, and Saint John’s Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6th at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2nd Street S.E., Cedar Rapids and after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7th at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery following the Mass.