Miriam Kiliper

MIRIAM TUTTLE KILIPER

Cedar Rapids

Miriam Tuttle Kiliper, 85, of Cedar Rapids, died on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital.

Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Private family burial will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Norway Cemetery in Norway, Iowa.

Miriam was born March 23, 1931, in Norway, Iowa. She lived on her parents' farm growing up, and had lasting memories of driving the tractor and participating in shenanigans with her sisters. She attended Iowa State University, graduated first in her class and was a member of the National Honor Society. She taught in Jewell and Grundy Center before marrying Harry on June 14, 1953, in Ames. Afterward, they traveled to Japan to fulfill Harry's Air Force commission. She taught third grade while in Japan, and had fond memories of their time there. Eventually, they moved to Cedar Rapids, where her three children were born. Miriam was an avid volunteer, both at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

Miriam is survived by her daughters, Leslie, her husband, Tom Lucas, and their children, Evan Lucas and Madeline Lucas-Tolliver, Melissa, her husband, Dave Ernst, and their children, Max, Kate and Lucy Ernst, and Suzanne, her husband, Randy Krejci, and their children, Liz and Hannah Krejci. She also is survived by her twin sister, Millicent Colema, and her husband, Van; and her cousin, Dede Keiper.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her parents, Royal and Hazel Tuttle; her sisters, Margaret and Barbara; and her brother, Bill.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or the Cedar Rapids School Foundation.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under "obituaries."