Lauri Netz

LAURI C. NETZ

Marion

Lauri C. Netz, 57, of Nevada, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada with Pastor David R. Burling officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the church. Committal services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, in Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion.

Condolences may be sent online to www.ryanfunerals.com.

Born July 14, 1958, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Lauri Carol Netz was the daughter of Loren and Barbara (Gasho) Netz. She grew up in Marion, where she graduated from Marion High School in 1976. She then attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in library science. Lauri was employed as school librarian in the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, then accepted employment as librarian for Nevada Middle School where she worked for over 25 years. Lauri valued her students and served as a positive role model and mentor to many over the course of her career.

Lauri was a member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada and participated in the church bell choir. She volunteered with Stephen Ministries, was taking classes through Luther Seminary to become an associate in ministry (AIM), and also was involved with cancer support groups. Professionally, Lauri was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma teacher's sorority. She was an avid reader and enjoyed volunteering her time in the butterfly room at Rieman Gardens.

She is survived by her father, Loren Netz of Marion; two sisters, Marcia Patterson of Laguna Vista, Texas, and Karen (Chris) Lint of Center Point; a brother, Reid (Robyn) Netz of Cedar Rapids; two nieces, Lauren Netz and Anna Netz; a nephew, Collin Lint; as well as other extended family members and a host of friends. Lauri cherished her nieces and nephew as well as two special young people, Karrie Anne Burke and Eric Spencer.

Lauri was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Netz, in 2002; and her brother-in-law, Larry Patterson.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Lauri and her family. Memorials in her name may be directed to Memorial Lutheran Church of Nevada.

Lauri's family would like to thank the many fine physicians, nurses and staff members from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines and Israel Family Hospice House who assisted Lauri and provided remarkable comfort and care throughout her battle with cancer.