Koss, Sheri Kay (Jansa)

Sheri Kay (Jansa) Koss, 64, of North Liberty, died suddenly Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at her home. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Brosh Chapel, 2121 Bowling St. SW, Cedar Rapids. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Sheri was born Dec. 13, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, to Ernest and Alma (Smahel) Jansa. She graduated from Prairie High School in 1965. She married the love of her life, Donald Koss, on June 24, 1971, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon. They enjoyed 40 beautiful years together. She was the best nana for her two (love of her life) granddaughters, Rachel and Erin Taber.

Her activities included making home cooked meals, desserts, going fishing at Lake Macbride with her husband Don, going to garage sales and getting a good bargain. She liked to go to Kalona with her brother Loren and sister-in-law Nancy and get fresh chickens and fresh produce and flowers. Like her Czech heritage she kept the tradition of making sauerkraut with her husband, brother Loren, sister-in-law Nancy and Mark. She was an Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed watching college and professional football and basketball games.

Sheri always enjoyed making her garden in the spring time; she loved to soak up the summer sunshine and in the fall she would make a delicious apple crisp for her family to enjoy. At anytime during the year home made chicken noodle soup would be available to anyone in need.

She is survived by her husband, Donald; a daughter, Karen (Erik) Taber, and two granddaughters, Rachel and Erin, all of North Liberty; a brother, Loren (Cathy) Jansa; a brother-in-law, James (Linda) Koss of Solon; two sisters-in-law, Nancy (Mark) Heathman of Cedar Rapids and Bonnie Lacina of Solon; and many friends and family. “Beau the beagle” will miss her.

She had a heart of gold. Sheri will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Sheri was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ernie; a niece, Tammy Heathman; and a grandnephew, Dayton Koss.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at

Published Oct. 23, 2011, in The Gazette