Irene Eckert

IRENE ECKERT

Cedar Rapids

Irene Eckert, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at Cottage Grove Place, after an extended illness. She was a long time member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church where a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family.

Survivors include her husband, Herbert; daughters, Judy (John) Zimdars of Spring Grove, Minn., and Susan (Jim) Moss of Cedar Rapids; and granddaughter, Megan (Arturo) Alvarez of Las Vegas, Nev.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Leon; and daughter, Kathryn Lapham.

Irene was born Aug. 20, 1917, in Van Horne, Iowa, the daughter of William and Flora Robinson Werner. She graduated as valedictorian from Van Horne High School and received a degree from Cedar Rapids Business College. She was a secretary for Rapids Gas and Grissel Sheet Metal Company. She was united in marriage to Herbert Eckert on Sept. 11, 1948, in Cedar Rapids.

Irene was a busy housewife and served as a leader with her daughters' involvement in Blue Birds and Campfire Girls. She was very active in church work and was a part-time parish visitor for 14 years. She enjoyed camping with her family and they spent many happy times in numerous places throughout the Midwest and West. She had a green thumb and loved gardening. She was a loving mother all of her life and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cottage Grove Place Gardens and Mercy Hospice for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or a charity of choice.