Sister Theresa Ann Spitz, RSM, a member of the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday morning, May 16, 2020, at Mercy Hallmar in Cedar Rapids following a brief illness. She was born June 15, 1930, in Orchard, the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Roth) Spitz. Sister attended the public elementary school in Orchard, and graduated from Osage Public High School.  She entered the Cedar Rapids Mercy Community in 1948 and completed her...

To the world you are a Mother, but to your Family you are the world. - unknown For Darlene, her family was the light of her life.  She was that energizer-bunny type person who never missed a family activity.  Spunky, compassionate, in charge and always moving were descriptors of this fiery little red head with a smile. Darlene Ann (Mrs. Stephen) Burke, 80, of Charlotte, Iowa, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday afternoon, May 9, 2020, in the comfort of her...

Mr. John Martinez passed into the care of God’s arms  February 14, 2020, at home in Green Bay, Wisconsin, nearly 4 years after his beloved wife, Betty. He was 90.   John, an only child, was born August 15, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Juan Antonio Ramos Martinez and Eloise Eleanor Conner. John’s father was originally from Tlaquepaque, Mexico and his mother from Ames, Iowa. They met when Juan traveled to Iowa for schooling during the Mexican...

Virginia (Mrs. Raymond) Carstensen, 85, of DeWitt, Iowa, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, May 15, 2020, at Westwing Place, DeWitt. Virginia Anne Holst was born July 19, 1934, to Alvin John and Anne Mary (Mulvihill) Holst in Scott County, Iowa.  After graduating from Welton High School, she worked in Clinton at the Telephone Company. Virginia was united in marriage to Raymond Carstensen on April 16, 1955, in Welton, Iowa. The couple resided in Charlotte where she was a...

Elizabeth "Betty" Laschanzky, 98, of DeWitt, Iowa, was welcomed into her heavenly home late Wednesday evening, May 13, 2020, at Davenport Lutheran Home. Elizabeth Alvina Wiebel was born November 22, 1921, in the hospital at Hampton to the late Anton and Bertha (Deininger) Wiebel. She lived in the community of Lowden in her early life with her parents, brother, Gerald and sister, Esther on a farm, until moving to the community of Wheatland....

MaryEllen Hartmann, 79, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at UnityPoint Trinity in Bettendorf. MaryEllen was born May 6, 1941, to Roy and Vivian (Behr) Smith in Clinton, Iowa. She graduated from DeWitt High School in 1959. MaryEllen was united in marriage to Marvin A. Hartmann on August 2, 1959, at Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt. The couple farmed at Elvira and later DeWitt. MaryEllen was a homemaker and worked for Neckers and Vision Center. MaryEllen was an...

EOC Robert C. Rands USNR (Retired), 77, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Monday afternoon, May 11, 2020, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Robert Charles Rands was born March 14, 1943, in Cedar Rapids to the late Charles and Clara (Sadler) Rands.  He was a 1961 graduate of DeWitt High School.  After graduation, Bob worked as a equipment operator for Rittmer Construction, Inc. of DeWitt.  He married Barbara Jaeger June 26, 1965, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt...

Mrs. Lorraine Landers, 94, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Monday morning, May 11, 2020, at Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, Davenport. Lorraine Theresa Lux was born October 19, 1925, in Streator, Illinois, to the late Frank and Mary (Jacinski) Lux.  She married John Landers August 21, 1947, and he preceded her in death on May 14, 1992. Surviving are sons, Bill (Susie Thrams) Landers of Iowa City and Jim (Jeannette) Landers of Fairfield, Connecticut; Mary Ellen (Steve) Hunter of...

Beth Haack, 52, of DeWitt, Iowa, died early Wednesday morning, May 6, 2020, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Elizabeth Ann Milder was born May 2, 1968, in Maquoketa to August and Carol (Badrick) Milder.  She was 1986 graduate of Preston High School.  Beth went on to study nursing at Clinton Community College.  She was a Registered Nurse over 30 years in DeWitt and the Quad City area.  Beth married Jeff Haack August 24, 1991, at the Little Brown Church in...

Janet Marie (Mrs. John) Burken, 80, of DeWitt, Iowa, died early Monday morning, April 27, 2020, in the comfort of her home. Janet Marie Ryan was born August 3, 1939, in Cedar Rapids to the late Joseph Francis and Mary Evelyn (Green) Ryan.  She was a 1957 graduate of St. Joseph High School.  On August 26, 1961, Janet married John Albert Burken at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt.   The couple resided in DeWitt where they raised their five children. Janet worked for...