Laura Gaffey

LAURA GAFFEY

Holbrook

Laura Gaffey, 95, formerly of Holbrook, died peacefully with her loved ones at her side on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the Lantern Park Care Center, Coralville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June 5, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Iowa City. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Holbrook, where a rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. Burial will be in the St. Michael's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Friends of Old St. Michael's, 200 West Maple, Williamsburg, IA 52361.

Laura Marie Oney Fahnholz Gaffey was born Oct. 28, 1919, to August and Iva Mills Fahnholz in Arapahoe, Neb. She often shared fond memories of her childhood living with her brother, John, and sister, Martha. Her parents, farmers in Barkley, Neb., instilled a strong work ethic in Laura which blessed all around her throughout her 95 years. After attending school, she often worked as a mother's helper in various homes in the McCook, Neb. area. It was here she was asked to go to the movies by a charming young man. Since she had no money for such a luxury, she thought it might be a good idea. That young man was Joe Gaffey to whom she was married for almost 50 years before his death in 1987. Together they worked and raised a family which includes over one hundred descendants.

Laura used her homemaking skills to raise a large garden, preserve the produce, sew for her loved ones and keep one of the "prettiest homes in Holbrook." In 1961, she went to work for the University of Iowa Food Services. She had many fond remembrances of her time there. In 1981, she retired to care for her ailing husband, Joe, until his death. During her many years in Holbrook, she was very active in the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Michael's Church, preparing many meals at the AOH Hall. She was raised in the Lutheran religion, but embraced the Catholic faith after her marriage and attended Mass at St. Michael's, Holbrook, until the church closed in 1996.

Laura spent many happy hours reminiscing about her frequent travels to visit family in California, Texas and Nebraska. Some of her favorite events were hosting the annual Gaffey Christmas Eve and St. Patrick's Day dinners. Her homemade candies, especially her amazing fudge, as well as her cookies, pies and angel food cakes, were always the favorite desserts. She loved green olives, pickled beets, sauerkraut, cucumber and onions, but detested chicken and most fish.

She was known for her warm and friendly personality, always making all feel welcome to her home. No one could ever leave without at least a piece of candy, a cup of coffee, a soda or even a beer. Laura was known for her feisty, yet quick to laugh, spunky personality. Her determined nature would win any opponents over with her impish smile. Many a plan would be spontaneously changed according to Laura's whims.

Her sharp wit included such phrases as "Do you like the way you're put together?" and "A poor excuse is better than none" and, of course, the all-time favorite was, "I could hear you if you'd just speak up and quit mumbling!"

Laura will always be remembered as the nice lady from Holbrook who was a loving and caring mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, friend and, most importantly, loving and faithful wife.

She is survived by her children, Gerald (Marilyn) of Iowa City, Laurine Sueppel (Robert) of Marion, Charles (Ann) of Lena, Ill., Mary Kathryn Roth (John) of West Branch, Harold (Cindi) of Coralville, Ed (Karen) of Georgetown, Texas, and Theresa Stevens (Jerry) of Cedar Rapids. She also has surviving nieces, Jolene Reeves of Duncan, Okla., Beverly Horst of Montgomery, Ind., Connie Jagodzinski of Milford, Conn., and Iva Atkins of Beggs, Okla. Also surviving are her brothers-in-law, John Gaffey (Helen) of Williamsburg and Robert Gaffey of Iowa City; and two sisters-in-law, Madeline Gaffey Beran of Bettendorf and Margie Gaffey Coates (Richard) of Denver, Colo. There are 26 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren, plus three on the way (that we know of).

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother and sister; two grandsons; several nieces and nephews; son-in-law; and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com.