Wenceslaus Dostal

    Wenceslaus Anthony Dostal, age 95, of Decorah, IA died on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the Barthell O.E.S Home in Decorah, IA.

     Wenceslaus was born on June 15, 1925 on a farm near Little Turkey, Iowa the son of Stanley and Lucy (Pechota) Dostal.  He attended Rudolphinum High School in Protivin, Iowa.  He joined the Navy in July of 1942 rising from Seaman to Chief Petty Officer.  He retired from military service in December of 1965.  He worked for Bell Helicopter Company in Fort Worth, Texas as a technical representative.  Later he worked for Garrett Air Research in Phoenix, Arizona, EDO Corporation on Long Island, New York and ended his employment with Dresser Clark Industries in Houston, Texas, retiring in 1990.

     He married Vernelle Jirak Schmitt on August 10, 1978. They moved to Texas where they lived until moving back to Ossian, Iowa in 1997.  They moved to Arlin Falck Assisted Living in May of 2008.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and lifetime member of the Antarctic Explorers Association in Pensacola, Florida.  His Navy career and his many jobs took him all over the world.  He often would reminisce about some of his adventures.  He and his wife enjoyed going to the Czech Republic and meeting some of their relatives.  They also enjoyed traveling all over the United States.  Family often told him he should have written a book on his many adventures.  

     He is survived by his son: Christopher (Debra) Dostal, Jacksonville, FL.  Stepsons: John (Mary Jo) Schmitt of Nisswa, MN; Thomas (Mae) Schmitt, Jackson Junction, IA and Steven (Brenda) Schmitt, Katy, TX.  Stepdaughters: Mary Ann (Dennis) Rosendahl, The Villages, FL and Kathryn (Brian) Fleming, Lincoln, NE; Eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Vernelle, brothers: Stanley, Joseph, Francis, Louis and one sister, Lucy.  Grandchild: Matthew Schmitt.

 A mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on  Saturday, April 24, at Assumption Catholic Church, Little Turkey,  with Rev. Nick Radloff .