Kim Newmister

KIM NEWMISTER

Cedar Rapids

Kim R. Newmister, 58, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home, with the family she loved, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015.

Survivors include her husband, David J. Newmister; her son, Joshua C. (Brenda) Newmister of Portland, Ore.; her daughter, Emily R. Newmister of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Kohen, Rylie and Isaac Newmister, all of Portland; her father, Francis C. McMann Sr. of Cedar Rapids; her brother, Francis (Carolyn) McMann of Marion; her sister, Diane (Mark) Bedell of Iowa City; a sister-in-law, Mary Jo McMann of Franklin, Ill.; special family, Dick (Patsy) Ward of Marengo; many nieces, nephews and family in the Iowa area; and her constant companion, Stella.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Wilma McMann; and a brother, Keith McMann.

Kim was born July 4, 1956, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Francis and Wilma (Kimm) McMann Sr. She married David J. Newmister on Jan. 2, 1982, in Cedar Rapids. Kim retired from Rockwell Collins in 2010.

Kim's passion for life and her love of activity was a constant thread in her life. In her youth, her love and skill of baseball earned her the nickname "Little Mick," in reference to Mickey Mantle.

Kim had fond memories of summers at her uncle's farms in Marengo riding horses and helping with farm chores. Kim's energy and athleticism was applied to running track at Washington High School, where she was successful at the highest levels. She was a gold medal winner in track and field for Washington High School, earning state honors and competing at the prestigious Drake Relays. With children grown, Kim turned to the joys of boating and fishing on the Mississippi River at their summer home in Clayton.

As a charter member of WOW (Women on Water), she enjoyed her closest friends through the summers. Kim had a laugh that was contagious, and having fun was a priority. Laughter was her medicine in dealing with the agony of her cancer. On her worst days she always invoked humor during her treatments with the staff at Hall Perrine Cancer Center.

She was a spontaneous shopper and no good deal would go unnoticed. Kim was a compassionate caring person and would not hesitate to come to your aid when needed. Her family and friends were very important to her and time spent with them was priceless.

Please leave a message for the family on the webpage www.cedar memorial.com under obituaries.

Celebration of Life visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 5, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 1 to 3 p.m. Inurnment is private. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Mercy in memory of Kim.