Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service

04/13/2026

Lawrence “Larry” James Bohnenkamp, 46, passed away March 11, 2026, and gained his heavenly wings. He was born on February 28, 1980, in Iowa City, Iowa. Larry was a man who deeply loved his family and found joy in the outdoors. He had a passion for nature, trees, mushroom hunting, and working with his hands. He enjoyed mechanics, woodworking, animals and riding motorcycles. He always loved coffee, a simple pleasure that was part of his everyday life. He was the proud owner and operator of his own business, Simply Trees L.L.C., which he managed for several years.

Larry was known for being outgoing, dedicated, and hardworking. Larry graduated from City High School in Iowa City, Iowa in 1998. His love for woodworking began at a young age, learning alongside his father, Jim and Cynthia Bohenenkamp who owned and operated their own business together, Tree Spirit, Custom Furniture. Larry’s beloved dog, Girl, held a special place in his heart and was a constant companion who brought him great comfort and joy.

In Loving Memory of Lawrence James Bohnenkamp February 28, 1980 – March 11, 2026 Lawrence “Larry” James Bohnenkamp, 46, passed away March 11, 2026, and gained his heavenly wings. He was born on February 28, 1980, in Iowa City, Iowa. Larry was a man who deeply loved his family and found joy in ...

04/09/2026

Allison Rouse , age 52, of Cummings, passed away on April 7, 2026, surrounded by love. She was a bright spirit whose humor and warmth brought laughter to everyone around her. Allison had a remarkable gift for making people smile, she could make you laugh until your belly hurt and her presence made every room brighter. She was also a wonderful friend, offering support, encouragement, and genuine care to those fortunate enough to know her.

Allison was exceptionally talented and dedicated. She built a successful career as a top medical device and medical implant saleswoman, excelling through her intelligence, perseverance, and passion for her work. She took great pride in her career and the relationships she built along the way.

Diagnosed with AML in 2018, Allison faced a long and courageous battle with extraordinary determination and strength. During this time, she discovered a love for sewing. She hand-sewed hundreds of masks during COVID and created beautiful quilts for her daughter and her 3 grandchildren ~ gifts that will be cherished forever.

Allison was a devoted mother to her only daughter, Abigail (John), whom she loved fiercely. They shared a deep and meaningful bond, filled with love, laughter, and connection, which shaped much of their relationship. She cherished spending time with family, especially playing games like Acquire and Rook. Allison often said she started playing Acquire as a young girl, and she proudly taught her daughter Aby to play at just seven years old. Those game nights were filled with her competitive spirit, quick wit, and unforgettable laughter and are memories her loved ones will hold close forever.

In her last couple of years, Allison found joy and peace tending to her garden. She nurtured each plant with care, loved digging her hands deep into the soil, and spent hours watching gardening shows for inspiration. Her garden became a place of renewal and beauty that she delighted in sharing with others.

She is survived by her daughter Abigail (John); her three grandchildren, Jay (5), Parker (2), and Sloane (2); her parents Bonnie (Greg) and Mark (Elisa); her sister Casey (Rich); and their children: Ben, Stella (Eli), and Harry. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Brinkley and JoJo, who brought her constant companionship and comfort.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5428/Allison-Rouse/obituary.html -start

04/08/2026

Jamie M. McCracken, age 52 of Lone Tree, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jamie Michelle Sasina was born September 19, 1973, in Iowa City the daughter of Jerry and Mary (Schneider) Sasina. She was united in marriage to Jeramie D. McCracken on September 27, 2024, in Iowa City. She has worked for UNFI (United Natural Foods) of this area for a number of years. Jamie enjoyed much in life, in addition to her family, she enjoyed shopping, traveling, lighthouses, drag races, candles, pink star gazer lilies, the casino, Mexican food and her favorite Marguerita drink, music concerts, the beach and her former Red Chevelle sweet ride!

Jamie M. McCracken, age 52 of Lone Tree, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, following a courageous battle with cancer. Jamie Michelle Sasina was born September 19, 1973, in Iowa City the daughter of Jerry and Mary (Schneider) Sasina. She was u...

04/07/2026

Bonnie Schaffer (Werle), 75, of Solon, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 3 at 2:40 p.m. She was born on February 20, 1951, in Iowa City, Iowa, to John and Myrlene Werle (Mohr).

Bonnie devoted 42 years of her life to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where she worked as an administrative assistant in several departments. She was known for her kindness, her steady presence, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she met.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her daughters, Heather Woodford and Catherine Schaffer; her grandchildren, Tyler Woodford and Chelsey Case-Woodford; her brothers, Gary Werle and Jeff Werle; her aunt Mitzi Watson; and numerous cousins. She is also survived by her seven adored “furry grandchildren,” who always held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her uncle Bud Mohr, her mom Myrlene Werle (Mohr), her dad John Werle, and many of her beloved pets.

Bonnie found happiness in the things she loved—witches, horror movies and books, angels, nutcrackers, and cheering on her Iowa Hawkeyes. She had a deep love for animals and made it a tradition each Christmas to donate to the Iowa City Animal Shelter, a quiet act of kindness that meant so much to her. She also enjoyed tending to her garden, cooking and baking for the people she loved, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She had a quick wit and a warm spirit, and she had a way of making everyone feel comfortable, cared for, and truly loved the moment they walked through her door.

To know Bonnie was to feel welcomed and accepted. Her love, her laughter, and her quiet strength have touched so many lives, and those memories will be carried forward by all who were lucky enough to know her.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5426/Bonnie-Schaffer/obituary.html -start

04/06/2026

Norbert A. Meyer, age 101 and longtime area teacher and principal, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City. A time of visitation will begin at 9am and church services at 11am. Following mass, a time of continued fellowship and lunch will be held at the church, concluding with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church; Iowa City Hospice; or the Albert N. and Mary Meyer Scholarship Fund, c/o Conception Abbey Development Office, P.O. Box 501, Conception, MO 64433-9988. To share a thought, memory, or condolence with Norb’s family, please visit the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website, www.gayandciha.com.

Dad was born March 16, 1925, in Clyde, Missouri, the youngest of 11 kids. As a child, he grew up working the family farm, doing anything from riding his pony to deliver water to workers in the field to milking the family cow. His caring spirit, thoughtfulness, and willingness to go above and beyond for those he cared about started at a young age and remained steady throughout his life.

After graduating high school in Spring 1943, Dad helped with the Fall harvest and then enlisted in the WWII Army Air Forces. Following the war he attended college, where he met Mom (Lois Inscho). They married after graduation in 1948 and eventually had ten kids – five boys and five girls. This led to 16 grandkids, 19 great-grands, and 1 great-great-grand. He and Mom were one month shy of their 65th wedding anniversary when Mom passed in 2013.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5423/Norbert-Meyer/obituary.html -start

Norbert A. Meyer, age 101 and longtime area teacher and principal, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City. A time of visitation will begin at 9am and church services at 11am...

04/06/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Dianna D Strand (Knight, Miller).

Dianna, age 78, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 after complications from an unexpected surgery. Dianna was born on March 14, 1948 and was a life-long resident of the Iowa City area.

Dianna’s memory will be forever cherished by her three adult children: Tami Coffelt of Iowa City; Angela McClelland of Iowa City; Matt Miller of Donnellson and her five grandchildren: Salem McClelland, Jake McClelland (Lily), Sawyer Miller, Riley Miller, and Phoebs Miller.

She was preceded in death by family, friends and husbands.

On behalf of Dianna, her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gail for her friendship, kindness and endless support over recent years.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Dianna D Strand (Knight, Miller). Dianna, age 78, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 after complications from an unexpected surgery. Dianna was born on March 14, 1948 and was a life-long resident of the Iowa City area. Dianna’s...

04/02/2026

Margaret Lavonne (Dunkel) Cheung of North Liberty, Iowa, former longtime resident of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, March 30th, 2026 at the age of 76. She was a loving grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, and friend, and beloved in turn by everyone who knew her.

Margaret was born in Santa Rosa, California, to Arthur and Helen Dunkel. She grew up in California, graduating from C.L. McLane High School in 1967.

Margaret resided in Dubuque, Iowa, for almost 50 years. There, she studied elementary education at Clarke University and raised her son, Jason Cheung, and daughter, Natalie Ghosheh.

Margaret’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, Laitham, Devon, Lana, and Hazel. In recent years, she moved to North Liberty, Iowa, to be closer to her family. Margaret adored her son-in-law, Tamer, and her daughter-in-law, Melissa. She cherished extended family members Connie and Chloe. She was grateful for each of her dear friends and neighbors.

Margaret Lavonne (Dunkel) Cheung of North Liberty, Iowa, former longtime resident of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, March 30th, 2026 at the age of 76. She was a loving grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, and friend, and beloved in turn by everyone who knew her. Margaret was...

04/01/2026

Barbara Ann Freyermuth, born September 12, 1944, to Oliver and Florence Bentley, officially clocked out of this world on March 30, 2026, and was joyfully welcomed into the arms of Jesus—where we’re quite certain she has already reorganized a few things and checked on everyone’s wellbeing.

Barbara is now reunited with her beloved husband, Charlie Freyermuth, who likely greeted her with, “What took you so long?”—to which she probably replied with a story, a laugh, and a list of things that still needed to be done.

She leaves behind a lively crew who will forever cherish her: her son Tod Owens (Laurie), daughters Monica Temple (Butch), JoAnn Davis (Brent), and Michelle Vossen (Rob); grandchildren Shannon Killion, Meighan Funk (Charlie), Haleigh Frias (Efrain), Abbigail McElroy, Nicholas Temple, Caitlyn Davis, Celeste Hurley (Kyle), Benjamin Temple (Mary), Chase Davis (Allie), Maddison Rodriguez (Tito), Connor Davis (Danielle), Alyssa Vossen, Robert Vossen II, Camryn Davis, and Eli Temple. With a whole army of 20 great-grandchildren who kept her busy, entertained, and occasionally wondering if naps were a myth.

If you ever spotted Barbara on the Marion Avenue Baptist Church bus, you may have witnessed one of her finest balancing acts—serving faithfully while running on what could only be described as “Mercy Hospital nurse-level sleep deprivation.” Somehow, she managed to love people, serve the Lord, and still function on what appeared to be about 3 hours of sleep and pure determination.

Barbara Ann Freyermuth, born September 12, 1944, to Oliver and Florence Bentley, officially clocked out of this world on March 30, 2026, and was joyfully welcomed into the arms of Jesus—where we’re quite certain she has already reorganized a few things and checked on everyone’s wellbeing. Barb...

03/30/2026

Isidro "Miguel" Rodriguez Rodriguez of Iowa City, Iowa passed away on March 25th, 2026 at the age of 48. He was born on July 20th,1977 to MA. Alicia Rodriguez Espinoza and Pedro Rodriguez Juevara in Torreón, Coahuila Mexico.

Isidro Rodriguez Rodriguez, commonly known as "Miguel," enjoyed eating- cleaning his plate and often yours. Miguel was admired by others for his charisma, positive outlook, and his devilish good looks. As a skilled tradesman, his job allowed him the ability to travel extensively coast-to-coast. He sought out new experiences in each location, partaking in different cuisines and cultures. Always finding time to help neighbors with small construction projects, he never met a stranger. In his spare time, you could find him playing blackjack or poker, riding his motorcycles, working on home projects, and entertaining family and friends with his quick-witted humor.

In 2018, Isidro was united in marriage to Eddie Zuniga in Denver, Colorado. Together they enjoyed traveling and exploring the new cities his job assignments would take him, and spending time together with their families. They also enjoyed exploring the mountains of Colorado, their favorite being Mt. Evans.

Isidro "Miguel" Rodriguez Rodriguez of Iowa City, Iowa passed away on March 25th, 2026 at the age of 48. He was born on July 20th,1977 to MA. Alicia Rodriguez Espinoza and Pedro Rodriguez Juevara in Torreón, Coahuila Mexico. Isidro Rodriguez Rodriguez, commonly known as "Miguel," enjoyed eating- cl...

03/30/2026

Sandra “Kay” Cambridge, age 82 lifetime resident of this area died Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Bird House – Hospice Home of Johnson County.

Memorial services will be held at 11am Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where at time of visitation will be held from 9am until services Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Solon. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders or Safe Haven Animal Clinic of Iowa County. To share a thought memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Sandra Kay Conner was born August 30, 1943, in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Evelyn (Spargrove) Conner. The family farmed south of Solon, Kay attended Big Grove Country School in Newport Township through the sixth grade. Then transferred to Solon Schools where she graduated from. Kay married Harold Carter in September of 1963, later divorcing. She spent ten years in Des Moines working and raising her family, before returning to Iowa City in 1975. Here she spent over 26 years working at the Veterans Administration Hospital as a nursing assistant, retiring in 2005. She married Raymond E. Cambridge June 18, 1977, in Coralville. Kay enjoyed and felt the calling to volunteer with the developmentally challenged for nearly 25 years.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5415/Kay-Cambridge/obituary.html -start

Sandra “Kay” Cambridge, age 82 lifetime resident of this area died Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Bird House – Hospice Home of Johnson County. Memorial services will be held at 11am Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where at time of visitation ...

03/27/2026

Justin Lee Jones, 45, of Oxford, Iowa passed away on March 22, 2026 surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Hands of Christ Worship Center in Oxford where there will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will be at the Marengo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Justin was born on January 27, 1981, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and grew up in Center Point, Iowa. After graduating from Center Point-Urbana High School in 2000, he worked various jobs but his favorite was being a tow truck operator in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and had numerous welding jobs that he enjoyed very much. Justin enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His family was always his priority, especially his kids!

He loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles and owned one when living at home and was hoping to own another one soon. Justin was strong in his faith with God and enjoyed spending time with his church family. It was nothing unusual to find him under the hood of a car/truck to fix and to make sure it was in good running order. He loved all animals but Bully breeds were his favorite. He rescued many over the years with Winnie, being his last rescue. Dozer was his favorite. He enjoyed getting back to his roots by being out on the lovely Harkers’ farm helping the kids get ready for sheep shows. The smile that you would see on his face when out there said it all! He also enjoyed rodeos, watching drag racing, car restoration shows, and watching Pastor Jensen listening to the word of God. He named his youngest son Jentzen after him! In keeping with Justin’s loving and generous spirit, the gift of life was shared with many people in need of organ donations.

Justin Lee Jones, 45, of Oxford, Iowa passed away on March 22, 2026 surrounded by family after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Hands of Christ Worship Center in Oxford where there will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the services. Buria...

03/27/2026

Fred Cox, age 71 lifetime resident of the Iowa City area died Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his best friend under the compassionate care of Iowa City Hospice.

A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Eagles Club in Iowa City from 2 to 5pm. All are welcome and encouraged to come and share our Freddy Stories! For a complete obituary, to share a thought, memory or condolence with his family, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/5413/Fredrick-Cox/obituary.html -start

Fred Cox, age 71 lifetime resident of the Iowa City area died Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his best friend under the compassionate care of Iowa City Hospice. A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Eagles Clu...