Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service

08/25/2026

Thomas Lee McLachlan, 79, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at Lantern Park, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was born on July 1, 1947, to Thomas and Billie McLachlan.

Tom proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1966 to 1970, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving in the Vietnam War. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life.

On January 23, 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Kristine Karol Stork. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless memories.

Tom retired in 2009 from the Iowa Medical and Classification Center after 32 years of dedicated service as an electrical engineering technician. He took great pride in his work and in the many years he spent contributing to his community through his career.

Tom was a man who believed in being involved and giving back to his community. He served several years with the Iowa City Music Auxiliary and served on the North Liberty Planning and Zoning Committee. He also loved being involved in his children's activities, including coaching his son's soccer league.

Thomas Lee McLachlan, 79, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at Lantern Park, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was born on July 1, 1947, to Thomas and Billie McLachlan. Tom proudly served his country as a United States Marine f...

08/24/2026

Dorothy “Dottie” Romine, age 81, of Kalona, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Dottie was born on February 8, 1945 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She began cleaning at a beauty shop when she was 14. She attended Beauty school the summer between her Junior and Senior years of high school, finishing her schooling after she graduated. Dottie began working in the same store that she used to clean.

Dottie met Ronald Romine in the Spring of 1964. They were united in marriage that Fall.

As time went by, she acquired a building through a trade and opened a women’s clothing store. She traveled to Minneapolis to purchase clothing for the store. Two years later, Dottie sold the business and building.

Ron and Dottie built a strip mall in Marion, where she started a 22 Flavor Ice Cream store. Dottie also held a real estate license and led the way, working with Ron.

Dorothy “Dottie” Romine, age 81, of Kalona, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026. Dottie was born on February 8, 1945 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She began cleaning at a beauty shop when she was 14. She attended Beauty school the summer between her Junior and Senior years of high school, finishing ...

08/24/2026

Ronald Eric Lewis, beloved husband and father passed away on August 21st, 2026.

Ron was born on November 16th, 1948, to Elizabeth (Lisa) Walberga Berger, and James George Lewis at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira New York. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1966 and Corning Community College in 1968 in Elmira. He received his BA at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa in 1970, and his master’s in education from Elmira College. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam with the US Army and CID in Saigon. He began his employment at JJ Newberry’s in Elmira helping with the cleanup after Hurricane Agnes. He worked for Westinghouse in Horseheads, New York and Vicksburg, Mississippi. He also worked for Crouse Hinds after they purchased Westinghouse. After a move from Vicksburg back to Elmira, he worked for 17 years for Hardinge Inc. in various accounting positions. His final position was with Electri-Cord MFG in Westfield, Pa. where he retired as CFO in 2013.

08/14/2026

Debra J. Hansen, age 70 of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Iowa City died Monday, August 10, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Memorial services will be held at 7pm Tuesday, August 18th. at the Springs of Life Church (2300 26th. St. NW, Cedar Rapids), with a time of visitation from 6 until services & following service a reception for all will be held. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Deb’s honor. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Debra Jean Hofer was born January 1, 1956, in Iowa the daughter of Paul and Mary (Cousins) Hofer. She came to this area and had worked for Rockwell Collins for over 30 years and was most proud of her serving as the president of the union there. She married Michael J. Hansen on April 1, 2000, in Iowa City. Deb didn’t need much in life, she enjoyed the simple! Her gardens, working outside, her plants, traveling, Cuddles her dog, being active in her church sharing the good word of the gospel, and of course her family and friends. When she became a grandmother, no bigger smile was seen on her face when she heard the words “Grammy”. Her life wasn’t always the easiest, but she didn’t complain and could always find the good in everyone she met, and she lived her faith without question.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5515/Debra-Hansen/obituary.html -start

Debra J. Hansen, age 70 of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Iowa City died Monday, August 10, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Memorial services will be held at 7pm Tuesday, August 18th. at the Springs of Life Church (2300 26th. St. NW, Cedar Rapids), with a time of visit...

08/13/2026

Ernest H. Curfman, age 80 (alias Abe Lincoln) passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by his family in Iowa City, after a strong fight.



Graveside services will be held at 11am Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Keokuk National Cemetery, where Military Honors will be bestowed. Following this at 12 noon a reception will be held at the First Christian Church of Keokuk, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.



Ernest Herbert Curfman was born January 13, 1946, in Keokuk, Iowa the son of Cleveland and Ellamae (Brilon) Curfman. Attending schools in Keokuk, he graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1964. He then left to serve his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Returning to Keokuk following service he worked a number of jobs including an over the road truck driver, in the engine room of the Emerald Lady and others including being self-employed. No matter where he was, who he was with he made it very clear he was a man of God, a true believer. He found his partner on this journey in his bride, Kathy E. Appel, who he married on May 23, 1987, at the First Christian Church in Keokuk. Ernie was active member of the Shriners and the Masonic Lodge of Keokuk. He was more than an active member of the First Christian Church, he was the disciple of faith, sharing so much of our Lord through his hands, his legs and his words. He and Kathy were the organizers of the annual Walk With Jesus in Keokuk, each year members of all the churches of Keokuk came together in what was termed, Festival of Faith. He was also very involved in prison ministries, sharing his writings with many inmates over the years. He would be the first to tell you, all that mattered in his life was his faith for our Lord and his family!

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5516/Ernest-Curfman/obituary.html -start

Ernest H. Curfman, age 80 (alias Abe Lincoln) passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by his family in Iowa City, after a strong fight. Graveside services will be held at 11am Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Keokuk National Cemetery, where Military Honors will be bestowed. Following this at 12...

08/11/2026

Brenda S. Knock, age 79 passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City after a sudden & unexpected heart issue.

Memorial services will be at 6pm Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Family Church of Iowa City, where there will be a time of visitation beginning at 4pm until the services. Private family burial services will take place at the Marengo Cemetery at 2pm before visitation on the 18th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Knock family. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Brenda Sharon Henley was born December 22, 1946, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the daughter of Claude and Minnie (Williamson) Henley. Her family moved to the Williamsburg area where she attended school, graduating from Williamsburg High School. She was united in marriage to Gerald E. “Jake” Knock, the love of her life, on December 18, 1965, in Marengo. Prior to her retirement, Brenda worked in the clerical aspect for a number of places over the years. Brenda enjoyed reading, walking every day, was very active in her church and lived her strong faith daily. She was so very proud of her family and this only became more obvious when the grandchildren were born. She loved being with her grandchildren whether at sporting events, going out to dinner, playing games, making cookies, etc. She was the Grandma every grandchild would want! Her family and faith were what mattered most to Brenda in this world.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5514/Brenda-Knock/obituary.html -start

08/10/2026

Luca Andrew Banse, age 14, son of Lisa and Andy Banse, brother to Bianca and Gino Banse of North Liberty, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home of an apparent epileptic seizure.

Luca lived with an unwavering love for his family, baseball, fishing, good food, and simply doing what was right. More than anything, he craved time with the people he loved. He would happily skip a social event for a few extra swings in the batting cage or some one-on-one time with his mom or dad. He was never embarrassed by affection. In fact, a public hug in front of his friends was just as welcome as a hug at home, and he would gladly hug just about anyone.

Luca had a special bond with his younger brother, Gino, who considered him his favorite person. Gino couldn’t say “brother,” so he called him “Bob-O,” no matter how many times he was prompted to say “Luca.” Luca was a natural second father to Gino. He gave him his first plastic bat before Gino could even stand, and today Gino has a healthy habit of hitting just about everything - and everyone - with it. Luca took particular pride in the fact that Gino appeared to be headed to be a left-handed hitter and pitcher. Like any older brother, Luca could also torment his sister Bianca, offer her plenty of unsolicited advice, and still be the first person to defend her when it mattered.

Luca Andrew Banse, age 14, son of Lisa and Andy Banse, brother to Bianca and Gino Banse of North Liberty, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home of an apparent epileptic seizure. Luca lived with an unwavering love for his family, baseball, fishing, good food, and simply doing what was right. More....

08/10/2026

Luca Andrew Banse, age 14, son of Lisa and Andy Banse, brother to Bianca and Gino Banse of North Liberty, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home of an apparent epileptic seizure.

Luca lived with an unwavering love for his family, baseball, fishing, good food, and simply doing what was right. More than anything, he craved time with the people he loved. He would happily skip a social event for a few extra swings in the batting cage or some one-on-one time with his mom or dad. He was never embarrassed by affection. In fact, a public hug in front of his friends was just as welcome as a hug at home, and he would gladly hug just about anyone.

Luca Andrew Banse, age 14, son of Lisa and Andy Banse, brother to Bianca and Gino Banse of North Liberty, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home of an apparent epileptic seizure. Luca lived with an unwavering love for his family, baseball, fishing, good food, and simply doing what was right. More....

08/10/2026

Diana L. Kloos, age 66 of Belle Plaine, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A time for family and friends to celebrate Diana’s life will be held from 3 to 6pm on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Belle Plaine Community Center. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Diana Lynn Heitman was born February 10, 1960 in Marengo, Iowa the daughter of Raymond and Alice (Tompkins) Heitman. She attended schools in Marengo, graduating with the Class of 1978 from Iowa Valley High School. When she wasn’t being the worlds best Mom, she worked as an office receptionist for a number of different businesses throughout the years. On November 26, 2003, she married Ronald J. Kloos in Marengo.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5512/Diana-Kloos/obituary.html -start

Diana L. Kloos, age 66 of Belle Plaine, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. A time for family and friends to celebrate Diana’s life will be held from 3 to 6pm on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Belle Plaine Community Center. In lieu of flower...

08/06/2026

Dale M. Hill, age 78 of Hills, went to be with the lord on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Iowa City surrounded by his family.

Private family graveside services with Military Honors will be held at a later date at the Mentzer Cemetery in rural Hills. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Dale’s memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Dale Martial Hill was born November 27, 1947, in Iowa City, the son of Leonard and Ila (Smith) Hill. Following graduation from Iowa City City High School; in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. Returning to this area, a few years later he married Mary Lynn Condon on September 3, 1982, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hills. For many years he worked as mason for multiple business in Florida and Iowa, and ended his career with his own business, Hill Masonry. There was nothing was more important to him than his family, especially as his grandchildren were born. Hearing Papa was music to his ears. He never missed any of their activities and was so very proud of them. He will now have the best seat in the house at their sporting events.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5510/Dale-Hill/obituary.html -start