Mahnke, V. Marie

V. Marie Mahnke, 91, of 1116 J Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, died in her home Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, after an extended illness. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Jonathon Offt will officiate. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Survivors include her children, daughter Marlene Matias of Cedar Rapids, and son Dan (Trish) Mahnke of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and grandchildren Amy (Ritch) Kahler, Sam (Lisa) Mahnke, Kelsey Salisbury and Cameron Mahnke.

She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and stepbrother HL (Mickey) McNiel. And, of course, her little Westie, Sam.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Mahnke; parents Wesley Hepker and Junnie (Hepker) McNiel; brother Ocie Hepker; sisters Ruth Hinrichs and Ella Bailey; grandsons Andrew Matias and Paul Mahnke; and special friend Leonard Mouchka.

Marie was born in Cedar Rapids on July 1, 1918, to Wesley and Junnie Hepker. She married Edward Mahnke on July 31, 1942, in Kahoka, Mo. Marie graduated from Roosevelt High School. She never met an animal or a Harley she didn't like!

Mom, we look forward to the day we are all reunited. We know you crossed over the rainbow bridge on your way to heaven and met up with your horse, Dolly; pets Duchess, Sumpie, Shadow, Snicker and Scuffie; and all the other animals you befriended throughout your life.

A special thank-you to Amy and Ritch for making it possible for Mom to return to her home comfortably. Thank you to the nurses at St. Lukes 3 Center for their sincere care and compassion. And to Home Instead's Peg and Eleanor, you made Mom's last weeks dignified and comfortable.