Vilma Polehna Nejdl, 93, of rural Ely, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at the Hiawatha Care Center.

Vilma was born July 27, 1928 in Cedar Rapids to parents Victoria and Martin Polehna of the famed Polehna Brothers Meat Market.  She married Robert Nejdl on October 11, 1947.

Vilma is survived by her husband, Robert; her sister, Vera (Wayne) Rogers of Days Creek, Oregon; cousins, Marjorie Nejdl and Dorothy Ditch and the extended Nejdl, Polehna and Kopecek families.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Angela.

Vilma spent a lifetime proudly involved in the Czech community in Cedar Rapids.  She loved to travel and did so regularly with her family and daughter before Angela's untimely passing in 2009.  Vilma's passing now allows her to tour the world with her daughter once again.

A direct quote from Vilma…."I was born, I lived and died".

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Czech National Cemetery with Pastor Julie Schuett, First Presbyterian Church of Ely, officiating.  Vilma's family respectfully requests that anyone attending her graveside services wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Vilma's family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mary Anne Nelson and the staff of the Hiawatha Care Center for the wonderful care that she received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Community Health Free Clinic or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under obituaries.