Dorothy Marie Loerch, 94, of Burlington, died 4:10 p.m. February 28, 2018 at Blair House.
Born on January 18, 1924 in Fort Madison, Iowa she was the daughter of Frank and Pauline (Schroeder) Marsh. She married H. Jim Loerch on May 1, 1945 at St. John Catholic Church. He died September 6, 1995.
Dorothy helped her husband with his grocery store and worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Delbert Kratz, after his death she began working for Dr. Samuelson. After her retirement she worked in the lunchroom at Prospect School.
She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish and the SS John & Paul Altar and Rosary Society. She was a Cub Scout leader and was active helping with the funeral luncheons for the church for many years. She volunteered for Great River Hospice and Birthright of Burlington.
She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Basketball fan. She served as caretaker for her husband for nine years before his death, in order to keep him home as promised. In addition, she cared for her mother at St. Francis nursing home, going daily to make sure she would eat. She was a very giving person and loved helping people. She would always root for the underdog, was very personable and young at heart. She loved her time spent with her family and grandchildren and her dogs Jessie, Shelby and Fifi.
Survivors include her three children; Linda (David) Aldershof of Burlington, Carol (Larry) Eibes of Gladstone and James (Kay) Loerch of Port Ludlow, Washington; nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister, Frances, and two brothers Patrick and Paul.
The funeral service for Mrs. Loerch will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 6th at Lunning Chapel. The Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz will officiate. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Prayer of Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 5th at Lunning Chapel. The family will receive friends following the Rosary until 8:00 p.m.
Memorials have been established for Divine Mercy Parish or Birthright of Burlington.
Gary F. Cheeley, 66, of Burlington, died at 11:45 PM Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born April 27, 1951, in Burlington, he was the son of Lester Floyd and Claire Breann Orndorff Cheeley. On June 21, 1996, he married Christine McConnell in Burlington.
Gary obtained his nursing degree during his time in the Army and worked as a nurse at the Burlington Care Center and Great River for 12 years.
He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17, and served his country from November 12, 1968 until March 31, 1989.
He enjoyed golfing, collecting coins, pocket watches, and going to auctions. He loved the Beatles, Oakland Raiders and his dogs. He had a great sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife, Christine; two daughters, Allison (Khary) Clark of Denver, CO, and Amber Cheeley of Burlington; two sons, Billy (Jessica) Cheeley of Des Moines, and Gary C. Cheeley of Burlington; four grandchildren, Ayanna Clark, Khalil Clark, Kaeleb Clark, and Reese Cheeley; one sister, sister, Lisa (Mick) Siegel of Hinsdale, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from noon until 5:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mr. Cheeley will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 5, 2018, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Chaplain Randy Gearheart officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the service. Burial will be in Keokuk National Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Gary’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.
Carol Margaret (Arnold) Caston
Born in Burlington on November 8, 1924, Carol Margaret (Arnold) Caston lived a long life of good humor and compassion. Known to many as “The lady with the big smile” Carol often waited on customers at Caston’s Shoe Shop. Her down-home charm could capture your attention. With her tales of both family history and imagination, Carol entertained many relatives and friends.
Carol was the fifth daughter of Jacob and Dorcas (Johnsen) Arnold. She attended Burlington schools, graduating in 1942. She then attended Business College and in 1943 was employed as a bookkeeper for Witte Drug.
In 1945 she married the love of her life, Ralph L. Caston Jr. in Modesto, California. They had four children, Ralph the third, Randy, Richard, and Merry. Ralph Jr. and Carol opened Caston’s Shoe Shop in Burlington in 1947. Carol did the bookkeeping until the day she died, February 28, 2018.
Carol’s greatest comfort was the comradery of her four sisters Edna, Lillian, Florence, and Bessie, and two brothers, Jim and Paul. Her special interests were working with children including Cub Scouts, Brownies, and church groups. She also enjoyed playing piano, writing, crocheting, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading, especially historical fiction. She and her husband traveled to many historical sites in the West and South while visiting relatives. For both sides of the family she was active in genealogy. She was a great storyteller, with a remarkable memory and imagination. Later in life she threw wacky bingo parties to the delight of family members.
She is survived by three children, one stepdaughter, five grandchildren, two step grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, family friend Marilee Hagemeier, and twelve nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and son, Randy.
Her motto to live by was “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She is remembered as a devoted mother, especially to her son, Randy who needed lifelong care. She was a contributor to Hope Haven and a friend to many of the clients.
The graveside service for Mrs. Caston will be 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 at Aspen Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established for Hope Haven Services, 828 North 7th, Burlington, IA 52601, Phone: (319) 754-4689
Mary Loraine Decker, 90, of Burlington, died at 12:17 pm Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born December 4, 1927, in Oskaloosa, IA, she was the daughter of Russell C. and Ethel L. McAfee Hartman. On May 24, 1975, she married Donald L. Decker in Burlington. He later passed on February 8, 2001.
Mary began working at the National Research Bureau as a writer for radio commercials. Later became a school teacher, teaching second grade in Lansing, IL. She then retired after 20 years of working at the Child Welfare Office.
She graduated from Burlington High School and was a 1956 graduate of University of Northern Iowa. She also had one year at Kansas City Art Institute, and attended Hannibal-LaGrange College.
She was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a pianist, Salvation Army and Kings Daughters. She enjoyed drawing, playing the piano at the Salvation Army, reading, and going on vacations. She was a member of the National Honor Society at Burlington High School, and was an avid Shirley Temple fan.
Survivors include step-son, Mark Decker, step-daughter, Diana Lynn Nelson, several step-grandchildren; several step-great grandchildren and several cousins; and her good friends, Virginia Corman, Mike Lamb, and Sharon.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and one step-daughter, Terry.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The funeral service for Mrs. Decker will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 5, 2018, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Reverend David J. Yonker officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Mary’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.