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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Etzel, Joan Marie
Joan Marie Etzel, 78, of Marion, died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, in her home. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Marion. A private family burial will be held at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.
Survivors include her husband, Albert; sister, Susan Farris; four sons, Mike (Diane), Jerry (Terri), Curt (Kathy) and Steve (Lynette); two daughters, Linda (Larry) and Cathy; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Joan was born Jan. 7, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Frank and Mary Miller. She moved often as a child and had fond memories of living in Georgetown, Colo. Joan married Albert Etzel on Jan. 20, 1951, in Marion, and they farmed north of town. Together they raised six children while farming in Marion and Rowley. The family returned in 1963 to Marion, where Joan trained and worked as a nurse and home helper. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion and the Hawk A Model A Ford Club.
Joan was beloved by her family and friends, who fondly remember her faith, her laugh, and her beautiful smile.
“A special thank you to Mercy Hospice for their care and support.”
A memorial fund has been established in Joan's memory.
Please sign the online guest book for Joan at under obituaries.
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