Obituary of Helen D. Kaeser

Helen D. Kaeser, age 85 of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Iowa City died Monday, September 4, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by family.

Helen Darlene Stoneburner was born February 24, 1938, in Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of William and Dorothy (Hamer) Stoneburner.  She attended Iowa City Schools, graduating from City High School with the Class of 1956.  She married Lester J. Kaeser Jr. on June 15, 1957, in Iowa City. In addition to caring for her family and home, Helen held various occupations before her retirement including, Woolworths, Montgomery Wards, American Greetings, Mercy Hospital, Iowa City Schools and even owned her own antique business called Alleytiques.  Helen enjoyed much in her lifetime, traveling, camping, garage sales, collecting and visits to the casinos occasionally.  But most important was her family, whom she dearly loved!

Her family includes her six children, Robin Jenks (Leonard), Lori Harpole (Cary), William Kaeser (Jodi), Tracy Schmidt (Steve), Scott Kaeser (Mikie), and Becky Hix (Jared); grandchildren, Rachelle Lacina, Stacey Lacina, Kelly Jenks (Bobbi), Shanna Jenks, Nicole Shahin (Lance), Madelyn Hix, Noah Hix, Christopher Lehman (Lynn), Michael Lehman (Bethany), Jakob Schmidt, and Erik Schmidt; Chrissy Sears (Dwyane), Duke Rasch (Sasha), Maribeth Bartroff (Josh) and great-grandchildren, Scottie, Brylee, Jamar, Caiden, Aniya, Arianna, Lila, Karlie, Xander, Ollie, Elliott and Evelyn; and special friend Jim Poorbaugh

She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, Lester Kaeser.

There will be a Celebration of Helen’s life to be held at 5pm Thursday, September 7th. at the home of her daughter, Robin Jenks @ 1071 Garfield Avenue, West Liberty, IA.  Private family graveside services will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in her memory. To share a condolence with her family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.