Jeanne Marie Ciha

JEANNE MARIE CIHA

Cedar Rapids

Jeanne Marie Ciha, daughter of Leo and Lillie McGowan, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2021, and was reunited with the love of her life and husband of 69 years, Jack Ciha.

Left behind to cherish her memory are sons, Dan (Kay), Stu (Teresa), Mike (Lynn) and Brad (Kim); along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born in Alburnett, Iowa, Jeanne spent most of her childhood years in Marion with her parents, four sisters and brother. She graduated from Marion High School in 1949. She enjoyed singing, playing (and teaching) piano, sewing, needlework, baking and volunteering at Starry Elementary School in Marion.

Jeanne knew at a very young age that something was missing from her life and, at age 13, discovered what that was while attending a church service at the (former) First Baptist Church in Marion where she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She faithfully attended church services throughout her teens and, on one special Sunday evening, caught the eye of a handsome young man who, just a year later, became her husband.

To know this amazing couple was a gift in itself. In addition to being husband and wife, they were best friends and true soul mates, and enjoyed attending all the activities (and there were many!) of their four active sons. Both loved the Lord and raised their sons in the knowledge of His mercy and grace. In Jeanne's written testimony from a few years back, she said, "Our sons married four women that we love dearly, and each is a blessing to us in their own unique way. We thank God for each of them. After praying to have four sons, and having God honor that prayer, imagine our joy at having such dear daughters-in-love."

Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.