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Wanelle Stonebraker
Wanelle Stonebraker
Cedar Rapids
Wanelle Stonebraker, 92, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at Terrace Glen Village. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held.
She is survived by her son, Kelly Stonebraker and his wife, Deborah, of Chicago, IL; daughters, Donell Lloyd and her husband, Dave, of Cedar Rapids, and Geri Albrecht and her husband, Troy, of Marion, and her sister-in-law, Carol Ann Cowling, of West Des Moines. Wanelle also leaves six grandchildren: Erica Lloyd and her partner, Ali Ghasedi, of St. Louis; Shelby Skaggs and her husband, Andy, of Cleghorn, IA; Phoebe Kilmoon and her husband, James, of Summit, NJ; Hannah Stonebraker and her husband, Ben Bovarnick, of Oakland, CA, Jonah Albrecht, and Hollis Albrecht—and four great-grandchildren: Camden Skaggs, Desmond “Desi” Kilmoon, Mikaela “Mikki” Kilmoon, and Emmett “Emmy” Stonebraker-Bovarnick.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Stonebraker; her parents, Clifford and Louise Carver; and her siblings, Murray Carver and Shirley Morgan.
Born November 22, 1933, in Zearing, IA, Wanelle graduated from Zearing High School and earned a two-year teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College, now the University of Northern Iowa. She married Don Stonebraker on December 27, 1953, and they made their home in Cedar Rapids following his Army service in El Paso, TX.
Wanelle taught kindergarten and later became a longtime in-home daycare provider and foster parent. She opened her heart and home to hundreds of children over the years, offering love, safety, and compassion. In the hearts of so many, she was a gentle constant—a calm voice, a warm kitchen, a steady presence during life’s earliest and most formative moments.
A fabulous seamstress, Wanelle sewed everything from figure skating costumes to prom dresses. She loved playing bridge, and her bridge clubs were cherished circles of friendship, laughter, and friendly competition. She treasured her grandchildren and had a particular fondness for lemon soft serve at Parlour City.
Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be made to the family at www.iowacremation.com.
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