Mohler, Susan Elizabeth Dowd

Susan Elizabeth Dowd Mohler, 61, of Marion, died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona. She fought lung cancer for two years and wanted everyone to know that it is not just a disease of smokers. A visitation for friends and family will be held at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, 209 E. Seventh St., Tama, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a time for sharing memories at 6:30 p.m. Private burial services will be at a later date.

Susan was born March 12, 1948, in Toledo, the daughter of Irwin and Fern (Jolls) Dowd. She attended Otter Creek No. 5 elementary school and graduated from South Tama Community Schools. She then attended the University of Iowa, receiving BSN and master's degrees, as well as attaining nurse practitioner certification. She practiced nursing in a variety of settings in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area, including hospitals, long-term care centers, and home care. She taught nursing at the University of Iowa College of Nursing, St. Luke's School of Nursing, Mount Mercy College and Kirkwood Community College. Her most recent employment was with the Lipid Research Center at University Hospitals.

Sue married Perry Mohler in 1968; they later divorced. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Marion, and Sigma Theta Tau honorary nursing society. She was a lifelong learner and particularly enjoyed teaching. Her special passion in life was helping her son Jon in his educational endeavors and traveling with him.

She was preceded in death by her father, Irwin Dowd; and a niece, Kris.

Sue is survived by two children, Sherilyn Kay Mohler (Roy Senft) and Jonathan David Mohler, both of Kalona; one granddaughter, Haley Graham of Kalona; one brother, Steven (Beth) Dowd of Coralville; her mother, Fern Dowd of Toledo; and her special dachshund friend, Snickers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts will be given to the Lung Cancer Alliance, an organization dedicated to eliminating lung cancer, and to Iowa City Hospice.

Sue's family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to caregivers associated with Iowa City Hospice, Pleasantview and Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids.