August 28, 1916 - April 30, 2011
COLUMBIA, MO Emil August Mrizek, 94, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the University Hospital.
Emil was born on August 28, 1916 in Cicero, Illinois, the son of the late Rudolph and Ella Spevacek Mrizek. He was united in marriage with Rose-Marie Marecek, October 9, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois.
He served during
WWII, flying 60 missions in the Aleutian Islands as a P-38 Pilot. Upon returning from overseas, he trained P-38 pilots. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves until retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his Air Force career he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Theatre, American Defense, and Victory Medals.
As a civilian, his longest employment was Vice-President of Chase Products Company, Westchester, Illinois. Emil was a 50+ year Mason member, a Shriner, a longtime member of the Lions Club and the Odd Fellows. He served in leadership positions in all of these organizations. He loved to golf and square dance.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, Rose-Marie, survivors include a son, David Mrizek, wife Ann of San Antonio, Texas; a daughter, Dr. Susan Marie Harmon, husband Dr. Jim Harmon of Edmond, Oklahoma; a brother, Bill Mrizek of Illinois; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two brothers.
His ashes will be interred at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. Tributes can be left online at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com