Harper, Mildred W. (Ryan)

Mildred W. (Ryan) Harper, 89, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013, at the Heritage Nursing & Rehab Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The Rev. David Beckman will officiate with burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph George Harper Sr.; her children, Joe Harper Jr. of Marion, Chris Harper of Cedar Rapids, Kathy (Dave) Balvanz of Marion and JoAnn (Steve) Abel of St. Charles, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Vince Ryan, Veronica Minor, Carney Ryan and Agnes Holmes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Stephen Harper; brother, Jack Ryan; and sisters, Dorothy Johnston and Mary Frances Scanlon.

Mildred Ryan was born March 6, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of John and Frances (Carney) Ryan. She married Joseph G. Harper Sr. on Sept. 30, 1951, in Barstow, Calif. Mildred was a member of the St. Matthew's Catholic Church. She was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend. Mildred enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Memorials in Mildred's name may be directed to the Care Initiatives Hospice, 3720 Queen Ct. SW, Suite #9, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Please leave an online condolence for the family at under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette June 11, 2013.