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Newell Lash
DR. NEWELL LASH
Cedar Rapids
Dr. Newell C. Lash, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Chapel of Memories. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Newell was born April 21, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to John and Mary (Cochran) Lash. In 1944, he enlisted in the Army and served his country during World War II. Newell married Naomi "Nicki" Creath on June 4, 1950, in Cantril, Iowa.
Newell graduated in 1949 from Coe College, where he played on the basketball team and was a member of TKE fraternity. Newell earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1971 and later served on the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
Dr. Lash started his career in education in 1949 at Buck Creek. From 1950 to 1954, he was a principal, teacher and basketball coach in Alburnett. He and his wife, Nicki, taught for one year in California. Upon returning to Iowa, he served as principal and assistant superintendent for College Community Schools. In 1965, he joined the Cedar Rapids school district, where he was named director of elementary education. As director he presided over classroom modernization, including the establish-ment of libraries, coun-selors and specialists to teach art, music and physical education. From 1973 to 1976, he was appointed personnel director for the Cedar Rapids school district. He went on to serve as deputy superintendent and acting superintendent of schools.
Among his many civic and professional associations, he was president of the Cedar Rapids Optimist Club and a member of the Blue Cross of Iowa board of directors.
In retirement he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and traveling the world with his wife.
He is survived by his two children, James (Catherine) Lash of Thermopolis, Wyo., and Cynthia (Allan) Wetzel of Marion; four grand-children, Katie (Steve) Williamson, Kyle (Layne) Lash, Danielle Garbarino and Jack Wetzel; two great-grandchildren, Connor and Cooper Williamson; and his sister, Betty Armstrong.
Newell was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Nicki; his parents; and siblings, Max Lash, Lucille Marsh, Richard Wilson, James Wilson and Robert Wilson.
Online condolences may be made at www.cedarmemorial.com.
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