Martha Stepanek

MARTHA STEPANEK

Cedar Rapids

Martha LaDonna Stepanek, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, June 5, 2015. A Celebration of Life service will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Viking Lounge & Restaurant in Cedar Rapids.

Martha brightened the day of everyone she met and went out of her way for anyone and for anything. She was never happy until you were fed and sitting comfortably in the chair next to her. Even in her later years, she could still take charge of a room with her voice and bring everyone to tears laughing.

Martha was born Feb. 1, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Armstrong and Alta (Curless) Schrader. Martha managed Poo Bare Daycare and owned Grandma's Daycare for many years and was known by all of her daycare children as Teach. She was day manager of LaDonna's View and Happy Time in Cedar Rapids and was known to everyone there as Mom.

She enjoyed playing checkers with her grandchildren and attending their school functions, crossword puzzles and feeding the squirrels. Martha also enjoyed family times with her children and grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gina Wantock and Kim McGinnis for the loving care they gave to Martha.

Martha is survived by her children, Austin Rich, Joan (Robert) Novak and LaDonna Rich, all of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, April, Beau, Austin, Austina, Kenny, Skye, Brittney and Danielle; her great-grandchildren, Nick, Alex, Ayissa, Kelsey, Allen, Secily, Quintin, Malynn, Kaitlyn, Logan and Nyleigha; her great-great-grandchildren, Konnor and Breyden; and her loyal dog, Bear.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John and Jerry; and her grandson, Austin.

Online condolences may be made at www.Iowa cremation.com.

Iowa Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the estate of Martha Stepanek.