Memorial
Roberta Stracke Phinney, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 17th, 2018 at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 18th, 2018 at 1:30 PM at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Roberta was born on February 8, 1936 to Robert “Bob” and Alma Tweed Stracke in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Roberta was Valedictorian of her 1954 graduating class at Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids. She loved music and played Cello in her high school orchestra. She attended the University Of Iowa School Of Nursing, where she met her husband Jim and became a Registered Nurse. They were united in marriage on August 24, 1957 in Cedar Rapids. She practiced nursing at the University of Iowa Elementary School. Roberta was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan.
She loved to play piano especially songs from “Sound of Music” and family would sing along as she played. She also loved jigsaw puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren, playing games with family and friends, and was still active in her Bridge club. Her home was always open to visitors.
Roberta was a wonderful cook, gardened, mowed the lawn and cared for her family, aging parents and in-laws. Roberta was quick to volunteer when a need arose and for years she helped at school functions, PTA, and was a teacher’s aide. She petitioned for a school bus route, and became a coordinator with the Northwest Tri-School Bus Association and was also a Campfire Girls leader. She picked out and helped plant flowers to beautify the care center grounds where she resided her last years.
After her paralysis in 2002, what Roberta couldn't do physically she did prayerfully and became a prayer warrior on behalf of many. Over the years, Roberta was very active in church, volunteered and was a caller for Christian Women’s Club/Morning Connections, hosted Stonecroft Ministries Bible Studies in her home, attended Precepts Bible Studies and most importantly was on multiple prayer chains. The world has lost and heaven has gained a most precious faithful servant.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; their children, David (Dee) Phinney of Unionville, MO; Linda (Allen) Root of Norway; and Diane (Rod) Lappe of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Shannon, Shaun, Josh (Melissa), Jason, Michael, Jamie, Benjamin, Andrew and five great grandchildren.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bobby.
Memorial donations may be directed to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.