James "Jim" D. Vodraska, a husband, father, brother, grand-father, friend and resident of Norwalk, IA, passed away at home peacefully and surrounded by his family, on July 3, 2025.   A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.  A Private inurnment with military rites will be held at a later date in the Calvary Cemetery, Churchville.

Jim was born in Spirit Lake, Iowa to Wenceslav "Wence" and Justine "Lois" (Klinkenborg) Vodraska, on January 15, 1941.  He attended elementary school in Bancroft, IA; high school in Lakota, IA and finished at the Pillsbury Military Academy in Owatonna, MN.  From there, he entered the US Navy in June of 1958 and was honorably discharged in April of 1962. He proudly served on the U.S.S. Nantahala as their radioman. After discharge from the Navy, Jim farmed with his father at the homestead in Lakota, IA, until good friend Frank Perkins introduced him to the Ironworkers Local #67, which he received many awards for his detailed-oriented work, until his retirement in 2000.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 58-years, Rita Vodraska; his children, Dawn Vodraska-Reeves, Norwalk, IA; Angela Vodraska, Polk City, IA; Thomas (Lori) Vodraska, St. Charles, IA; and, brother, Stanley Vodraska, Whitefield, NH as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Vodraska; son-in-law, Bill Reeves; his parents; sister-in-law, Florence Vodraska; brothers, John Vodraska and his wife Dorothy, Mike Vodraska and his wife Carol; and his four very loved pugs – Spike, Rocky, Duncan and Buster.

In loving memory of Jim, donations may be made to the Pink Tractor Foundation, Norwalk Fire/EMS Department, or Martensdale Fire Association.

The family would like to offer our sincere gratitude and thanks to EveryStep Hospice Care for the tender and warm care provided to Jim in his final days.