Vaclav Ondrej Hasek

Vaclav Ondrej Hasek, 55, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center after an extraordinarily courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Throughout his illness, he met every challenge with determination and a desire to keep living the life he loved.

Vaclav was born on May 6, 1971, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Ondrej Frank and Nancy Hasek. From the moment he could hold a pencil or paintbrush, he was creating. At the age of five, a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago changed the course of his life. Standing before an El Greco painting, he quietly decided he would become an artist, and from that day forward, he never looked back.

He attended Washington High School, where he nurtured his talents in painting and photography while also thriving as a member of the swim team. After graduation, he embraced his first great adventure by leaving Iowa to attend college in New Mexico. Immersing himself in the culture and landscape of the Southwest, he began what would become a lifelong pattern of seeking new places, new perspectives, and new ways of seeing the world.

In 1994, Vaclav earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico, concentrating in painting and ceramics. His studies also took him abroad to the University of Nottingham in England, where his appreciation for art, history, and culture deepened even further.

Following graduation, Vaclav worked as a professional artist before once again reinventing himself. Determined to combine his artistic gifts with emerging technology, he pursued additional education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, launching a successful career as a graphic artist and designer at Kirkwood Community College. He loved his work, his colleagues, and the mission of Kirkwood.

Vaclav's creativity extended far beyond the canvas. His distinctive personal style, thoughtfully curated home, and legendary collection of hats reflected a life lived without fear of convention. He found beauty everywhere—in richly woven textiles, historic buildings and the everyday details that many overlooked. He believed the past was worth preserving and delighted in sharing those discoveries with others.

Just as memorable as his artistic gifts was his joyful spirit. Vaclav was endlessly curious, wonderfully funny, and simply fun to be around. One of the greatest gifts of spending time with Vaclav was seeing the world through his eyes. A visit to an art museum with him was unforgettable. He had a remarkable ability to help others notice details, symbolism, and meaning they might have otherwise missed, making art more accessible and deeply personal.

From Tokyo to Berlin, from Mexico City to countless places in between, Vaclav always said yes to exploration. His travels not only enriched his artistic vision but also strengthened his belief that the world is made better through curiosity, compassion, and understanding. He returned from every journey with stories to tell, inspiration to share, and an even deeper appreciation for the richness of human experience.

For all of his adventures, family was always at the center of Vaclav's life. He was a devoted son who quietly stepped in to care for his mother whenever she needed him, offering his support without hesitation. He was also an exceptional little brother to Barbara. The two shared a lifelong friendship, talking nearly every day, traveling together, and celebrating each other's lives through every season.

His paintings, photographs, and designs remain lasting expressions of his talent, but those who loved him will remember most his laughter, generosity, curiosity, and the joy of being in his company. Vaclav's greatest masterpiece was the life he created.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy Hasek and his sister, Barbara Hasek (Victor Hugo Rivera Monroy) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his father, Ondrej Frank Hasek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of New Mexico Foundation College of Fine Arts Scholarship Fund in memory of Vaclav Ondrej Hasek.

Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.