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Juanita Downey
JUANITA DOWNEY
Guttenberg
Juanita Margaret Kresse Downey, 92, of Guttenberg, passed away March 21, 2014, at the Guttenberg Care Center after a lengthy illness.
Juanita was born May 8, 1921, in Muscatine, to Victor H. Kresse and Grace C. (Schultz) Kresse. She attended Muscatine High School. On Aug. 20, 1942, she was united in marriage to Eugene "Mike" Downey in Palmyra, Mo. Having been raised on the Mississippi River in Muscatine, Juanita loved making Guttenberg her home from 1954 until her death.
She was actively involved in her community. When the need for a new hospital was recognized in 1960, Juanita went door to door soliciting funds. A great supporter of the hospital, she held various offices within the Hospital Auxiliary.
An active member of the United Methodist Church, Juanita held offices in United Methodist Women, served as superintendent of children's Sunday school, organized summer Bible School and served as a church board member.
Additionally, Juanita had been active in the Band Boosters, Red Cross Blood Drive and American Cancer Drive.
Juanita is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Downey Sheets of Cedar Rapids and Jacqueline Downey Smith (John) of Wichita, Kan.; three grandchildren, Michael Pierce of Seattle, Wash., Matthew Pierce of Woodstock, Ga., and Courtney Sheets of Cedar Rapids; as well as two great-grandsons, Liam and Emry Pierce of Woodstock, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Eugene "Mike" Downey; her parents; two sisters, Vonda Rambo and Naomi Bales, and one brother, Victor Kresse Jr., all of California; and a son-in-law, Dave Sheets of Cedar Rapids.
Arrangements are being handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Guttenberg.
Memorial service will be at the United Methodist Church in Guttenberg on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Penny Hansel officiating. The family will greet visitors one hour before the service. Burial will be in Guttenberg City Cemetery following the luncheon at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers and plants, donations may be made to the Guttenberg United Methodist Church, Guttenberg United Methodist Women, Guttenberg Hospital Auxiliary or the Guttenberg Street Clock.
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