6D Sunday, May 22, 2022The Gazette OBITUARIES ONLINE You can email an obituary to a friend or relative, view a listing of services or search a historical database of obituaries at TheGazette.com/Obituaries JANET SCHAFBUCH VELICER Cedar Rapids Janet Velicer died peacefully with family members present on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at her retirement community in Lenexa, Kan. Known as an avid lifelong reader, dedicated educator, lover of the musical fine arts and world traveler, she was 80 years old. Jan was born Janet Frances Schafbuch in 1941 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to parents Geraldine and Allan Schafbuch. Her earliest memories and childhood were on the family farm in Van Horne, Iowa, which shaped her hard-working German, Irish and English heritage of which she was always proud. Starting with classes at Clark College, Jan went on to achieve a BS in Home Economics Education (1963) and MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition (1966), both from Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
She later added her Certificate in Elementary Education, at Michigan State University (1976). Jan taught at multiple high school and elementary locations in the Pennsylvania Catholic, Michigan Waverly and Okemos school systems. She thrived for 23 years in the Okemos district, where her service spanned several elementary grades and the Gifted and Talented Program, before retiring (2001). She was recognized with the Classrooms of Tomorrow Teacher Award, Dept. of Education, State of Michigan (1990).
In addition to serving on numerous school district committees, Jan was inducted as a Fellow into the Michigan Association of Teachers of Mathematics and into several academic honor societies. Perhaps most striking were her dozens of contributions in civic leadership capacities, which advanced international student travel, music and the arts, election integrity, education modernization and health and medicine. During her retirement, Jan immensely enjoyed attending the Kansas City Symphony and other fine musical arts concerts, especially those performed by her son Daniel and daughter-in-law Kristin. She also enjoyed many organized travel excursions with her husband Jim, and family members when possible, throughout North America and internationally. One of hallmarks was continually planning ahead for the next trip, even as she maintained long-term friendships from all walks of her life.
Jan is survived and mourned by her husband, James Geiger; three sons, Daniel (Kristin) Velicer of Overland Park, Gregory (Yuen-Tsu Nicco) Velicer of Rothenthurm, Switzerland, and Mark (Christine) Velicer of Harleysville, seven cherished grandchildren, Nicholas and Hanna, Irene and Sophia and Jessica, Carlina and Tatianna Velicer; and her three siblings, James (Linda) Schafbuch, Sandra (Steve) Gibney and Mary Junge. Her first husband, scientist Dr. Leland Frank Velicer, who she met and married at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, died in 2000. In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory to the Kansas City Symphony, or to Kansas City Hospice Care for their excellent compassionate care. To send condolences, please visit https://porterfuneralhome.com/FamiliesInOurCare.aspx A memorial service will be hosted at 11 a.m.
June 4, at the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, 9400 Pflumm Lenexa, KS 66215. In addition, an interment ceremony and Celebration of Life meal will be held in Iowa on June 6. She will be dearly missed. LILLIE BELL WASHINGTON Cedar Rapids Lillie Bell Washington, 82, peacefully ended her earthly life and began her eternal life with our Lord and Savior on May 18, 2022. Memorial visitation will be held at 1 p.m.
Friday, May 27, until time of memorial service 2 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Lillie is survived by her children, Stephanie Taylor, Stacy Taylor-Sallis and Craig Taylor; grandchildren, Landon (Lisa) Taylor, Lanaysha Sallis and Joree Taylor; siblings, Robert Levy, Norain Jamison, Doris Poole, Margaree Levy, Blanchie (Roy) Broomfield and James Levy; eight great- grandchildren, Maximillian, Trinity, Tsion, Talia, Tiara, Alexander, Vivian and Albert Wesley; as well as great- great-grandchild, Aura AnnMarie; and a host of nieces and nephews, family friends and friends, who were truly loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Levy; husband, Raymond Washington; daughter, Donna Weinbrenner; seven siblings, Oscar Levy, JB Levy, Edna Mae Stamps, Albert Levy, Henry Levy, Ethel Mae Levy; and great-grandchild, Emrys Taylor. Lillie was born in Louise, the 10th day of the 6th month in the year of 1939.
She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and served him faithfully. She brought many into his flock and was truly an extension of His love. Lillie worked for over 30 years at Square Company, as well as a faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and her local NAACP chapter. Lillie was known for her unique beauty, keen sense of style and her sweet potato pies. Her laughter and smile could brighten a room.
Lillie legacy will be remembered as a loving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother Friend and Child of Christ. She will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries. BRIANNA MARIE KILEY Mount Vernon Brianna Marie Kiley, 26, was taken before her time on April 6, 2022. Surviving her is her parents, grandparents, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her best friend, Max. She was loved by many friends and family, and will be missed terribly. LARRY BARTLETT Celebration of Life A gathering for friends and family will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Coralville, Iowa, where a time of sharing will begin at 2:30 p.m. BETTY JEAN WINDER Cedar Rapids Betty Jean Winder, 85, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died April 24, 2022, after a short battle with pneumonia.
She was born Jan. 2, 1937, in Waterloo, Iowa, a daughter of Ermin and Augusta (Schares) Olinger. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and earned a B.A. from Iowa State Teachers College in 1958. In her early years, she was a professional vocalist with engagements that included locations in New York City, Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto, Japan, the Philippines and Hong Kong.
Later in life, she was a special education teacher in the Round Rock School District of Austin, Texas. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, John D. Winder; stepchildren, Mark (Deanna) Winder of Mount Vernon and Jody (Darrell) Yutesler of Lowden; two sisters-in-law, Jeannie Olinger of Cedar Rapids and Mary Ann Olinger of Cedar Rapids; a niece, Lisa Olinger of Cedar Rapids; nephews, Bill Olinger of Sanibel, and John Olinger of Portsmouth, R.I. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry and Bill Olinger; and her first husband, Len Moser. A memorial service will be 11 a.m.
Thursday, May 26, Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Mercy Care Hospice of Cedar Rapids. Condolences may be left at www.lockefuneralservices.com. Locke at Tower Park, (319) 233-3146, is assisting the family. JOHN WAYNE DEVORE Central City John Wayne DeVore, 63, of Central City, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the Dennis Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Family will greet friends and family from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Murdoch Funeral Home Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. A private family Inurnment with military honors will follow at Springville Cemetery in Springville, Iowa. John was born on May 12, 1958, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, the son of Alvin and Ethel DeVore. He worked as an electrician and in maintenance.
John was very active in volunteering for the local Amvets. He enjoyed Harley motorcycles and going fishing. John is survived by his two children, Kimberly of Omaha and James (Michelle) of Springville; three siblings, Becky Morehouse of Brunswick, Laura Zeigler of Polk, Ohio, and David DeVore of Mount Vernon, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin DeVore mother, Ethel DeVore Jordan; and two siblings, Alvin DeVore and Melody DeVore. Please share a memory of John at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
SUSAN LYNN (STASTNY) NOVAK Lisbon Susan Lynn (Stastny) Novak, 72, of rural Lisbon, passed away on Sunday morning, May 15, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Salem United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, with Pastor Matt German officiating. Burial will follow in the Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be after 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday at the church. Sue is survived by her husband, Gary; stepdaughter, Jessica (Brant) Blake; and grandchildren, Lilly and Leanna. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas J. and Bernice I. (Klepach) Stastny; and an infant sister, Sandra Bea Stastny.
Sue was born Feb. 19, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, and was a Cedar Rapids resident for many years. On Oct. 29, 1999, Sue married the love of her life, Gary L. Novak and they moved to rural Lisbon.
After working for several years as a beautician and then later a dental assistant, Sue began working at the Hy-Vee Drugstore where she was employed for over 25 years as a cashier, retiring just three months ago. Sue was a caring person who loved helping others and was known to help out folks who might not have quite enough change at her check-out counter. Sue was proud of her 30 plus years as a member of AA, thoroughly enjoying her Diet Pepsi. She and Gary enjoyed feeding the birds that visited their perennial flower gardens and loving everything about being outdoors. Sue was a Christian and loved singing along with religious music on radio station 101.9 FM.
Memorials may be directed to husband, Gary. Online condolences may be left for Gary Novak at www.papich-kubafs.com under JANICE MARIE SCHULTE TRANBERRY Plymouth, Minn. The family of Janice Marie Tranberry will gather at St. Catholic Church in Norway to remember Jan at a memorial Mass celebrated by Father Craig Steimel on Saturday, May 28, at 4 p.m. children and siblings will greet friends and family one hour before Mass.
Jan, 79, of Plymouth, passed away April 10, 2020, during the covid epidemic. Jan was born on the family farm south of Watkins and Norway to Harold C. and Marie A Bigge Schulte on Nov. 15, 1940. Jan married Robert James "Jim" Tranberry on Jan.
12, 1965. They were blessed with three children. Jon of Champlin, Joan (Mike) Flynn of Driftwood, Texas, and Jeffrey (Rachel) Tranberry of St. Paul, Grandchildren are Megan Flynn and John Peterson, Trevor (Emily) Flynn and Ryley (Danielle) Flynn, Sophia and Stella Tranberry. Jan is survived by her children and grandchildren, 10 siblings and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; her in-laws; brother, Alan R. Schulte; and a sister, Susan G. Schulte. A complete obituary can be viewed in the Cedar Rapids Gazette of April 19, 2020. STEVEN "STEVE" RAY ACKERMAN Marion Steven Ray Ackerman, 76, of Marion, Iowa, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the Dennis Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.
A private family burial was held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Murdoch Funeral Home Cremation Service in Marion, with his cousin, Larry Croghan, officiating. Family will greet friends and family following the service.
Steve was born Feb. 12, 1946, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Edward Porter and Edna Luella (Nelson) Ackerman. He was a 1964 graduate of Atlantic High School, and went on to attend Iowa State University, graduating in 1969. On June 24, 1967, Steve was united in marriage to Joan Cynthia McCrory in Cumberland, Iowa. He served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Steve worked as an electrical engineer for Rockwell Collins, retiring after 43 years. He was a devout Lutheran all of his life. Steve was active with Boy Scouts and Camp Fire, supporting his children during their school years. A radio enthusiast, he was a member of several radio clubs and had obtained his amateur radio license. Steve was a lifetime member of the Linn County Genealogy Society.
He enjoyed painting, woodworking, traveling, gardening and camping. Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Steve is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 55 years, Joan Ackerman of Marion; daughter, Julia Ackerman of Marion; son, Anthony (Cindy) Ackerman of Marion; and three grandchildren, Miranda Vollmer of Marion, Shawn (Jessica) Vollmer of Muscatine, Iowa, and Tyler Ackerman of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edna Ackerman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Ida McCrory; brother, Kenneth Ackerman; and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Ackerman. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory may be directed to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (PKD Foundation), 1001 E.
101st Terrace Kansas City, MO, 64131. Please share a memory of Steve at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries. FRANCES L. BLAIR Marion Frances L. Blair, 87, of Marion, went to see Jesus and be with her loving husband, Sid, on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Fran was born on May 14, 1935, to Carl J. and Marie (Claus) Hillers in Manchester, Iowa. She was united in marriage to George S. Blair on Aug.
23, 1953, in Delaware, Iowa. Fran and Sid co-owned The Town Crier and Anamosa Publications in Anamosa. Fran was an active member of Living Water Methodist Church in Marion. She enjoyed quilting, stamping, tea parties with her great-granddaughters, chicken wings and golf. She especially enjoyed traveling the United States with Sid in their 37 foot trailer.
She was happiest when she was with her family. She called and sang Happy Birthday to every family member on their birthday every year. We will all miss that. Left to cherish memory are her daughters, Nancy (Phil) Craver and Susan Rundall (Jim Holder); grandchildren, David Rundall, Adam (Tasha) Rundall, Aaron (Maribel) Rundall, Ryan (Mikaela) Craver and Jillian (Jasen) Smith; great-grandchildren, Savannah Peterson, Rachel Nelson, Ellie Rundall, Arianna, Skylar and Olivia Rundall, Sawyer and Lexi Smith, and Larissa Saunders; nieces, Pam and Kathy; nephew, Greg; and former son-in-law, Jerry Rundall. She is also survived by her cat, Bakin, who meant the world to her; and her very special best friend of 72 years, Mary Nosbish.
She also leaves behind her church friends who she loved dearly. Thank you to Mercy Hospital and Mercy Home Health Care for the excellent care she received. Special thanks to the Mercy Hospice Team that tended to her in her final days. Amy, Sara and Bill you were our angels during this difficult time. You not only took care of our Mom, Grandm, and Great-Grandma, you took care of us as well.
Thank you for what you do. Finally, thanks to Dr. Matthew Fox and his staff. Mom loved you all. If you so choose, please direct memorials in name to Mercy Hospice in Cedar Rapids, who took such good care of both Mom and Dad, the Association in honor of her son-in-law, Phil Craver, Haven Animal Rescue in Manchester, Iowa, or Forever in Cedar Rapids.
She loved her rescue grand-dogs. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries. ODETTE M. WELTON Marion Odette M. Welton, Oct.
23, 1928, to May 20, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband, Paul Welton; and her daughter, Linda Airy. Surviving her in death is her daughter, Suzanne Welton and son, Michael Welton; four grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Courageous. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.iowacremation.com..
