Obituaries

William “Bill” D. Suchy, 73 of Belle Plaine, IA passed away January 4, 2024, at Compass Memorial Healthcare, Marengo, IA. Bill was born November 30, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, IA to Edwin and Ellen (Theissen) Suchy. Bill spent his life in Belle Plaine. Growing up with his dad a railroad worker, Bill developed a lifelong fascination for trains.

Becky Jo (Postel) Williams, 61, of Vinton, IA, found peace from her battle with cancer. She left us on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, surrounded by many loving family members.Becky was born on August 19, 1962, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Billy L. and Jean D. (Olsen) Postel. She was a 1981 graduate of Independence High School and went on to the Young’s College of Hair Design in Waterloo, IA.

Larry E. Fritch, age 87, of Ney, Ohio passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at Glenn Park of Defiance with his family at his side.Larry was a mechanic by trade and owned Ney Auto Service for many years. He later worked as a journeyman mechanic at General Motors. Larry also farmed for 50 years.He was a volunteer firefighter for Washington Township and served as assistant chief for several years.

Visitation for Cara Deana Kohrs will be today, Friday, January 5th from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass is Saturday, January 6th at 10 a.m. at St. John XXIII, 8100 Roncalli Dr SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.Cara Deana Kohrs was born on July 21st, 1978 to Gloria Kohrs and Donald Williard, and raised by Gloria and Dewayne Janey. Cara was always adventurous, creative, protective and loving, Cara loved her job as a CMA at Sterling Care in Coralville, Cara loved to dance and listen to music, she loved late-80's and scary movies, Although There was nothing she loved more than her children and grandchildren, She loved being a mother and a Nana, as well as the oldest in charge of 6 siblings, Cara was strong, stubborn, and driven as well as the only professional facelicker in the family (and the Family thought it was gross).

Eunice Mae Waterman, age 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Unity Point St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, with her loving family by her side.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins, with Rev. Douglas Woltemath officiating.  Interment will be held at St.

Brett Bryan Opperman "Mr. B", 62, of Shellsburg, IA passed away on December 12, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Brett will be laid to rest in RestHaven located in the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. He is survived by his partner Lila; 6 beloved fur babies; his daughters, Jennifer & Kate; son, Bryan; his siblings, Kenton, John, Greg & Laura; and his grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Barbara "Barb" Valenti, 83, of La Porte City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Mercy One Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa.Following Barbs wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and her family will be hosting a public graveside service at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Westview Cemetery located at 123 Palmer Drive, La Porte City, IA 50651.

Robert James Kabela, 89, of Solon, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A celebration of life gathering will be from 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at Palmer House Stable, 200 East Main Street in Solon. A brief service will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a dessert reception. The private family inurnment at Oakland Cemetery will follow the reception.

Lary Allan Smith passed away in his sleep, at home in Vinton, IA on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. As per Lary’s wishes, there will be no service at this time.Lary was born in Cedar Rapids on July 6, 1946 to Milford E. Smith and Dolores J. (Nemecek) Smith. As a young man Lary enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and Uncle Orville. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids, in 1964.

Ronald M. Burroughs, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Vinton Lutheran Home, with his loving family by his side.Private family interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.Ron was born on July 2, 1939, at his grandparents’ home in Benton County, the son of Manfurd and Ada (Young) Burroughs.  He graduated from Vinton High School with the class of 1958.