Krein, Louise A. (Hall)

Louise A. (Hall) Krein, 70, of North Liberty, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Mercy Iowa City.

Louise Ann Hall was born Oct. 12, 1940, in Dubuque, the daughter of Carl P. Hoare and Ruby Helaine Heinzelman. She was raised in Dubuque, where she attended Visitation Academy, graduating in 1959, and received her B.A. degree from Clarke College in 1963. She later received her M.A. degree in 1972 from the University of Iowa, where she was inducted into Pi Lambda Theta.

While living in Dubuque she worked for the City of Dubuque in the Recreation Department as director of the Girls' Recreation Center and then as program supervisor. She was united in marriage to David F. Krein on Dec. 19, 1964, in Dubuque.

The couple moved to the Quad Cities, where Louise taught in a number of schools, including Bettendorf High School, Davenport Central High School, JB Young Junior High, Wood Junior High and at Scott Community College before retiring because of health issues.

Diagnosed with rare chronic leukemia in 1985, Lou survived near-death experiences in 1987 and in 1989 when she suffered a stroke that ended her teaching career. Twice more she survived chemotherapy only to succumb finally to an unrelated cancer, but not before she impressed everyone who knew her, with her resilience, her tremendous courage, and her unconventional sense of humor.

Despite her disabilities, she lit up the room with an infectious enthusiasm tempered only by her genuine concern for the well-being of others. For those who had the good fortune to know her, she was truly a joy and an inspiring example of how to cope with adversity.

She is survived by her husband, David of North Liberty; brother, Robert C. Hall of Shelby Township, Mich.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

As per Louise's request, no formal services are planned. Those who wish to remember her through memorials may do so to the Hairy Cell Leukemia Research Foundation, Inc., 790 Estate Dr., Suite 180, Deerfield, IL 60015.

You may also share condolences with her family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Louise's arrangements.