Erma Marie Petrak Alberhasky, lifelong resident of Iowa City, passed away on,Monday,November 8, 2010.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Friday, November 12, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Iowa City, with Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Graveside Services will be held at 1 pm Friday at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation for Erma will be held Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at Lensing Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd, Coralville, where a Vigil Service will be held at7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation, Iowa City Hospice, St. Mary's Church or to the University of Iowa Foundation for Alzheimers Disease Research. In memory of Erma condolences may be sent to the Alberhasky family at www.lensingfuneral.com.
The Alberhasky family would like to express a thank you to the staff of Legacy Pointe and Iowa City Hospice for their supportive, loving care.
Erma Marie Petrak was born on August 1, 1922 in Iowa City, the daughter of Laura Lenoch and William Petrak. Erma graduated from St. Mary's High School, Iowa City in 1940.
On December 31, 1940, Erma married the love of her life, John Alberhasky, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City. When John went off to war in 1942, Erma kept the home fires burning, working at the grocery store which they purchased in 1948. They changed the name to John's Grocery and spent the next 60 plus years creating an Iowa City tradition.
Concerned for her children's health as well as the health of the children of nearby Central Junior High, Erma decided to start making and selling 5 cent sandwiches after seeing kids repeatedly buy candy for lunch, thus beginning the famous John's Grocery Deli. From simple sandwiches to legendary potato salad and fried chicken, the deli grew to a full service deli and catering, thus carving out (literally) a corner of the business where Erma, and later her daughters Lory and Beverly, fed generations of Iowa City youth.
For over 60 years Erma worked tirelessly at the store alongside John, her children and grandchildren, instilling a strong work ethic set by her example.
Erma was a member and greeter at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Along with her husband John she was a member of the unique and creative "Cosgrove Clatter Band," who performed skits and harmonized kazoo compositions in parades and entertained nursing home residents. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed gardening and feeding wild birds.
Hawkeye fans and friends knew their camper door was always open at Kinnick Stadium with a pair of black and gold smiles waiting inside. When the Hawkeyes weren't playing, John and Erma's welcome mat was always out on Jefferson Street, where you'd be offered a chair, a drink, wonderful conversation and the spunky Erma reminding all: "The next time you're by Ralston Creek, drop in!"
Erma's family is comforted that she has been reunited with her loving husband and constant companion of 69 years, who passed away on October 14, 2010.
Although separate individuals through life, now in death their two spirits are one. Married for almost 70 years, together they raised a loving family, built a landmark business, and celebrated life in an unparalleled fashion. Together they were Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and the foundation of a family who is forever grateful for their life, their spirit and their legacy.
Erma will be deeply missed by her children: Joan Vandervoort (Jerry) of Phoenix, AZ; Bill (Sheila), Jerry (Bette), Ron (Linda); all of Iowa City; Tim (Joan) of Clive, IA; Beverly Miller (Dean), and Lory Miller (Randy) of Iowa City; her grandchildren: Kristin, Brad, Doug, Michael, Deb, JJ, Jennifer, Clint, Jami, Matt, Sarah, Kari, Chad, Brian, Amber and Aspen, and 22 great grandchildren.
Erma was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, parents Laura and William Petrak, brother Richard Petrak and sister Gladys Lumsden.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Friday, November 12, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Iowa City, with Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Graveside Services will be held at 1 pm Friday at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation for Erma will be held Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at Lensing Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd, Coralville, where a Vigil Service will be held at7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation, Iowa City Hospice, St. Mary's Church or to the University of Iowa Foundation for Alzheimers Disease Research. In memory of Erma condolences may be sent to the Alberhasky family at www.lensingfuneral.com.
The Alberhasky family would like to express a thank you to the staff of Legacy Pointe and Iowa City Hospice for their supportive, loving care.
Erma Marie Petrak was born on August 1, 1922 in Iowa City, the daughter of Laura Lenoch and William Petrak. Erma graduated from St. Mary's High School, Iowa City in 1940.
On December 31, 1940, Erma married the love of her life, John Alberhasky, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City. When John went off to war in 1942, Erma kept the home fires burning, working at the grocery store which they purchased in 1948. They changed the name to John's Grocery and spent the next 60 plus years creating an Iowa City tradition.
Concerned for her children's health as well as the health of the children of nearby Central Junior High, Erma decided to start making and selling 5 cent sandwiches after seeing kids repeatedly buy candy for lunch, thus beginning the famous John's Grocery Deli. From simple sandwiches to legendary potato salad and fried chicken, the deli grew to a full service deli and catering, thus carving out (literally) a corner of the business where Erma, and later her daughters Lory and Beverly, fed generations of Iowa City youth.
For over 60 years Erma worked tirelessly at the store alongside John, her children and grandchildren, instilling a strong work ethic set by her example.
Erma was a member and greeter at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Along with her husband John she was a member of the unique and creative "Cosgrove Clatter Band," who performed skits and harmonized kazoo compositions in parades and entertained nursing home residents. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed gardening and feeding wild birds.
Hawkeye fans and friends knew their camper door was always open at Kinnick Stadium with a pair of black and gold smiles waiting inside. When the Hawkeyes weren't playing, John and Erma's welcome mat was always out on Jefferson Street, where you'd be offered a chair, a drink, wonderful conversation and the spunky Erma reminding all: "The next time you're by Ralston Creek, drop in!"
Erma's family is comforted that she has been reunited with her loving husband and constant companion of 69 years, who passed away on October 14, 2010.
Although separate individuals through life, now in death their two spirits are one. Married for almost 70 years, together they raised a loving family, built a landmark business, and celebrated life in an unparalleled fashion. Together they were Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and the foundation of a family who is forever grateful for their life, their spirit and their legacy.
Erma will be deeply missed by her children: Joan Vandervoort (Jerry) of Phoenix, AZ; Bill (Sheila), Jerry (Bette), Ron (Linda); all of Iowa City; Tim (Joan) of Clive, IA; Beverly Miller (Dean), and Lory Miller (Randy) of Iowa City; her grandchildren: Kristin, Brad, Doug, Michael, Deb, JJ, Jennifer, Clint, Jami, Matt, Sarah, Kari, Chad, Brian, Amber and Aspen, and 22 great grandchildren.
Erma was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, parents Laura and William Petrak, brother Richard Petrak and sister Gladys Lumsden.
Erma Marie Petrak Alberhasky, lifelong resident of Iowa City, passed away on,Monday,November 8, 2010.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Friday, November 12, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Iowa City, with Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Graveside Services will be held at 1 pm Friday at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation for Erma will be held Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at Lensing Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd, Coralville, where a Vigil Service will be held at7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation, Iowa City Hospice, St. Mary's Church or to the University of Iowa Foundation for Alzheimers Disease Research. In memory of Erma condolences may be sent to the Alberhasky family at www.lensingfuneral.com.
The Alberhasky family would like to express a thank you to the staff of Legacy Pointe and Iowa City Hospice for their supportive, loving care.
Erma Marie Petrak was born on August 1, 1922 in Iowa City, the daughter of Laura Lenoch and William Petrak. Erma graduated from St. Mary's High School, Iowa City in 1940.
On December 31, 1940, Erma married the love of her life, John Alberhasky, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City. When John went off to war in 1942, Erma kept the home fires burning, working at the grocery store which they purchased in 1948. They changed the name to John's Grocery and spent the next 60 plus years creating an Iowa City tradition.
Concerned for her children's health as well as the health of the children of nearby Central Junior High, Erma decided to start making and selling 5 cent sandwiches after seeing kids repeatedly buy candy for lunch, thus beginning the famous John's Grocery Deli. From simple sandwiches to legendary potato salad and fried chicken, the deli grew to a full service deli and catering, thus carving out (literally) a corner of the business where Erma, and later her daughters Lory and Beverly, fed generations of Iowa City youth.
For over 60 years Erma worked tirelessly at the store alongside John, her children and grandchildren, instilling a strong work ethic set by her example.
Erma was a member and greeter at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Along with her husband John she was a member of the unique and creative "Cosgrove Clatter Band," who performed skits and harmonized kazoo compositions in parades and entertained nursing home residents. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed gardening and feeding wild birds.
Hawkeye fans and friends knew their camper door was always open at Kinnick Stadium with a pair of black and gold smiles waiting inside. When the Hawkeyes weren't playing, John and Erma's welcome mat was always out on Jefferson Street, where you'd be offered a chair, a drink, wonderful conversation and the spunky Erma reminding all: "The next time you're by Ralston Creek, drop in!"
Erma's family is comforted that she has been reunited with her loving husband and constant companion of 69 years, who passed away on October 14, 2010.
Although separate individuals through life, now in death their two spirits are one. Married for almost 70 years, together they raised a loving family, built a landmark business, and celebrated life in an unparalleled fashion. Together they were Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and the foundation of a family who is forever grateful for their life, their spirit and their legacy.
Erma will be deeply missed by her children: Joan Vandervoort (Jerry) of Phoenix, AZ; Bill (Sheila), Jerry (Bette), Ron (Linda); all of Iowa City; Tim (Joan) of Clive, IA; Beverly Miller (Dean), and Lory Miller (Randy) of Iowa City; her grandchildren: Kristin, Brad, Doug, Michael, Deb, JJ, Jennifer, Clint, Jami, Matt, Sarah, Kari, Chad, Brian, Amber and Aspen, and 22 great grandchildren.
Erma was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, parents Laura and William Petrak, brother Richard Petrak and sister Gladys Lumsden.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Friday, November 12, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Iowa City, with Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Graveside Services will be held at 1 pm Friday at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation for Erma will be held Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at Lensing Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd, Coralville, where a Vigil Service will be held at7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation, Iowa City Hospice, St. Mary's Church or to the University of Iowa Foundation for Alzheimers Disease Research. In memory of Erma condolences may be sent to the Alberhasky family at www.lensingfuneral.com.
The Alberhasky family would like to express a thank you to the staff of Legacy Pointe and Iowa City Hospice for their supportive, loving care.
Erma Marie Petrak was born on August 1, 1922 in Iowa City, the daughter of Laura Lenoch and William Petrak. Erma graduated from St. Mary's High School, Iowa City in 1940.
On December 31, 1940, Erma married the love of her life, John Alberhasky, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City. When John went off to war in 1942, Erma kept the home fires burning, working at the grocery store which they purchased in 1948. They changed the name to John's Grocery and spent the next 60 plus years creating an Iowa City tradition.
Concerned for her children's health as well as the health of the children of nearby Central Junior High, Erma decided to start making and selling 5 cent sandwiches after seeing kids repeatedly buy candy for lunch, thus beginning the famous John's Grocery Deli. From simple sandwiches to legendary potato salad and fried chicken, the deli grew to a full service deli and catering, thus carving out (literally) a corner of the business where Erma, and later her daughters Lory and Beverly, fed generations of Iowa City youth.
For over 60 years Erma worked tirelessly at the store alongside John, her children and grandchildren, instilling a strong work ethic set by her example.
Erma was a member and greeter at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Along with her husband John she was a member of the unique and creative "Cosgrove Clatter Band," who performed skits and harmonized kazoo compositions in parades and entertained nursing home residents. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed gardening and feeding wild birds.
Hawkeye fans and friends knew their camper door was always open at Kinnick Stadium with a pair of black and gold smiles waiting inside. When the Hawkeyes weren't playing, John and Erma's welcome mat was always out on Jefferson Street, where you'd be offered a chair, a drink, wonderful conversation and the spunky Erma reminding all: "The next time you're by Ralston Creek, drop in!"
Erma's family is comforted that she has been reunited with her loving husband and constant companion of 69 years, who passed away on October 14, 2010.
Although separate individuals through life, now in death their two spirits are one. Married for almost 70 years, together they raised a loving family, built a landmark business, and celebrated life in an unparalleled fashion. Together they were Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and the foundation of a family who is forever grateful for their life, their spirit and their legacy.
Erma will be deeply missed by her children: Joan Vandervoort (Jerry) of Phoenix, AZ; Bill (Sheila), Jerry (Bette), Ron (Linda); all of Iowa City; Tim (Joan) of Clive, IA; Beverly Miller (Dean), and Lory Miller (Randy) of Iowa City; her grandchildren: Kristin, Brad, Doug, Michael, Deb, JJ, Jennifer, Clint, Jami, Matt, Sarah, Kari, Chad, Brian, Amber and Aspen, and 22 great grandchildren.
Erma was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, parents Laura and William Petrak, brother Richard Petrak and sister Gladys Lumsden.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
See more Alberhasky or Petrak memorials in:
- Saint Joseph Cemetery Alberhasky or Petrak
- Iowa City Alberhasky or Petrak
- Johnson County Alberhasky or Petrak
- Iowa Alberhasky or Petrak
- USA Alberhasky or Petrak
- Find a Grave Alberhasky or Petrak
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
