Loss, Mardell K.

Mardell K. Loss, 99, of Cedar Rapids, beloved grandmother and friend, died Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Cedar Memorial Family Center and Library. Her great-granddaughter-in-law, the Rev. Katie Z. Dawson, will officiate.

Those left to honor her memory include a daughter-in-law, Dixie Loss of Cedar Rapids; her granddaughters, Robyn Dawson of Cedar Rapids and Pamela Jensen (James) of Lisbon; her great-grandchildren, Beverly Dawson-Fink (Christian) of Vinton, Lyndsay Jensen Gaffey (Jordan) of Denver, Colo., Brandon Dawson (Katie) of Marengo, Jase Jensen of Des Moines and Christopher Dawson of Cedar Rapids; her great-great-grandchildren, Alexander, Cameron and Aden Dawson-Fink, all of Vinton; a niece, Darlene Lorenz (Glen); a great-nephew, Steve Lorenz (Janine); a great-grandnephew, Kyle Lorenz, all of Independence; a great-grandniece, Megan Lorenz (Tyler Rassmussen) of Minneapolis; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, LaVerne; their son, Robert; a brother, Keith; and sister-in-law, Opal.

A native daughter of Iowa, Mardell was born to Lawrence E. and Frances M. (Sensor) Kolp on March 27, 1911, in Independence, Iowa. She married LaVerne Loss on June 6, 1936, in Independence. They had one son, Robert. Mardell took great pride in being a homemaker. She was also employed by Averill Investment Co. as secretary/treasurer for 12 years. When in her late 70s, Mardell assisted close friend, Marla Thompson, with her wallpapering business.

Mardell was the best grandmother and friend anyone could have asked for, always supportive, teaching ‘You can do anything, once you put your mind to it.' Her love was endless.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mardell's name to Hospice of Mercy.

Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.