Doren Eugene Kuster
Kuster Family, We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Doren. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Meyer Family Rob-Jody-Avery-Paxton-Breckin
Jody Meyer
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Kuster Family: We are saddened to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Houses-Jim, Eileen, Sarah, Aaron, and Nicholas
Jim House Family
Cedar Rapids
IA
Linda, John, Dan and Jacqueline; I am truly sorry to hear about Doren. I know how tough the past two years have been for all of you and admire your strength. We always enjoyed Doren's competitive spirit and good humor. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you. Kris, Glenn, Zach and Leandra Martins
Kris Martins
Cedar Rapids
IA
Linda, John, Dan and Jacqueline: My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of Doren. I will always remember him and treasure the smiles and laughter that he shared with everyone. My prayers are with your family - he will be missed by many.
Mandy, Matt, and Brooklyn Millhollin
Ohain
Belgium
Linda, My heart is with you as it has always been. Rest in peace, my brother. sandy
sandy
dallas
TX
Linda, John, Jacqueline, Dan and John, so sorry for your loss! I pray for all of you to have strength and peace in the coming years! I truly wish I would have had the priviledge to know Doren before his illness, but I have had the priviledge to hear wonderful things about him and also to have found new friends in you Linda and of course John!! I missed John last weekend on our b-ball trip! Casey and I were talking about how it wasn't the same without him in our hotel room! : John, you are welcome over anytime!! God Bless all of you!! Love, Pamela Printy and Casey
Pamela Printy
Marion
IA
Linda, Jacqueline, Danny, Johnny, I love you all very much, and we will always be here for you. You have shown me geat love and strength. It is so strange writing this in my baby brothers obit. I know he is in heaven. Your Loving Aunt, Sister-in-law, and Doren's sister Karen.
Karen Eickmann
cedar rapids
IA
Uncle Doren, I miss you. Thank you for being so supportive when I was at the U of I. You bought me brewskies at the Airliner, gave me easy telemarketing jobs when I was broke, and treated me like an adult and friend. I will never forget riding in the car with you while you sang that George Thorogood song, "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer." And how you would pretend to roll the die when we were playing board games--you would find the number you wanted, shake your body like crazy, then put the die down. LOL I have so many joyful memories of you. Aunt Linda and kids--I love you and I'm praying for you in your grief.
Beth Kuster
Brooklyn
NY
We are close friends with Debbie & Jimmy. It was obvious how much Doren was loved by his family and how much he will be missed. I've never met a family that is so close and enjoys each other so much! May the strength of family and the love of God be your guiding light as you meet each new day. We share in your sorrow. Rich & Joanne Bartsh
Rich & Joanne Bartsh
Bettendorf
IA
Linda & Family, Sorry to hear about the passing of Doren. Ingrid, Ronnie & myself enjoyed our vist with the two of you, along with Bro & my Mom at the Iowa-Indiana game last fall. Our prayers are with you.
The Ron Feiereisel Family
Park Ridge
IL
Linda and Family, Our prayers our with you and your family on the loss of Doren. We only lived in Iowa for 2 years but we will always remember Doren and you. When I first met Doren at a party I could tell he was one of those wonderful people that you would not only always like but could depend upon being a true friend. Karen and I always enjoyed his company and his amazing personality and love for his family and friends. I’d like to express again the condolences to you and your family. May God help you through this very difficult period.
Karen and Neal Parks
Atlanta
GA
Dear Kuster Family, Our heartfelt condolences.
Wayne & Nancy Roush
Hiawatha
IA
Dear Linda and family, Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The world has lost a wonderful man. Tom, Nancy, Alex, Brandon, Kendra, Michaela, and Charles Cruse
Nancy Hennenfent Cruse
Bloomington
IL
Linda and Kids, We are praying for peace for all of you.Of course Doren wasn't that peaceful at John's basketball games, but I think since he became ill, Doug has picked up the slack for him.I am sure he'll be more than happy to continue the tradition for Doren, and hopefully someday we both will be able to smile about it. Love and Blessings Upon You! The Wick Family
The Wick Family
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Linda and Kids: Our deepest sympathy to you all at this mournful time. Doren was such a special gift from God. Griff and I will treasure the many memories we have of time spent with you all. Men don't usually have BFFs but Doren was Griff's BFF. I know Griff is thankful for the time he spent with Doren within the past year. As for myself, I am left with fond memories of the way he lived his life - always to the fullest. I will never forget his laugh. I will never forget his friendship. I will never forget him. I know Doren is dancing with Jesus right now probably trying to lead and is ... free at last. I love you Linda. I cannot imagine what you are going through. Be strong. God will give you grace to endure. And, Jacqueline, Dan and John, never forget that you were the apples of your dad's eyes. He loved and was so proud of each of you. Honor your father by being the best you can . . . something your Dad always strived for and ultimately achieved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and always. We will be in touch soon. Right now, things are sorrowful and sad. But one day we will all rejoice in the fact that Doren is in the company of our heavenly Father and we will be able to celebrate his life . . . a life that touched us all in so many different ways. I know your hearts are heavy now. That weight will one day be lifted in ways unknown. With love and condolences, Kathy and Griff
Kathy Martin
Duluth
GA
Linda, John, Dan and Jacqueline, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy to your family as you go through this difficult time. Doren was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed by those of us who were fortunate to know him. My thoughts are with you all.
Roxanne Lee
Chicago
IL
Lynn and I have had so many good times with Doren. Doren and I won the last doubles tennis match we played together on March 17, 2006. I hope he cherished that moment as much as I do now. Among one of the greatest things about Doren was his great voice. We were so honored that his was able to sing at our daughter's wedding. Both Lynn and I had so many good times with Doren. We are going to miss him very much!
Dick& Lynn Gab
Cedar Rapids
IA
Linda, John, Jacqueline, and Dan -We are so sorry for your loss. We recognize the spirit that has been taught to John, and recognize that competiveness of Doren will reside in John forever more. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you during this challenging time. We know Doren's spirit will continue to live on through all of you. Peace be with you all. 'Coach', Laura, Max and Emily
The Suttles
Urbana
IA
We have all been blessed to have had Doren in our lives. With love, Tim and Tammy
Tim and Tammy Levins
Galesburg
IL
Doren, I find myself reliving all our wonderful childhood memories. It is so hard to believe you are gone, but I truly believe you are with Mom and Dad, free of cancer and looking down on all of us with love. I will miss you forever and love you longer. Debbie
Debbie
Bettendorf
IA
Dear Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear about Doren and all the saddness that is going on at this time. I do know Linda, how you are feeling since I went through losing my husband with ALS eight years ago. I think my husband, John, and Doren played tennis a few times with mutual friends. I do remember we played several times. Good sport to make friends. I am sure you have the support of family and friends and I hope you will lean on them when you need to. I will be thinking of you all and my prayers are with you. Take care, Thann Daniel
Thann Daniel
Cedar Rapids
IA
I knew Doren for many years while he worked for A.D.S., he was a very kind man who I enjoyed visiting with very much. While the earth may have lost a wonderful human being, heaven has gained him. His family will be in my thoughts, he will be missed.
Joy Stanley
Earlham
IA
Linda, Jacqueline, Dan, and John, my heart aches for you. As you know, your father and husband was a wonderful man. He was also a wonderful uncle. I remember when he gave me a job at his ADS office in Iowa City when I was in college. I loved getting to spend the time with him. I'll never forget one of the times he drove me home and insisted on getting me some dinner from Vito's. Apparently he knew the main man there and called him and said, "Azis, I have a very hungry niece!" May you all be comforted by your sweet, sweet memories in the coming days. I love you all so much.
Anna Taravella
Bloomington
IL
Linda, We're so sorry for you and your family. I am Bonnie's sister and we've met once or twice. Doran was so concerned about Bonnie Lou missing once and called me at work, then picked me up and we went searching. I'll never forget his concern for my sister. One more good guy in Heaven now! pat
Pat and Phil Winkler
Hiawatha
IA
Whoa, this sucks. To think of Doren gone is pretty unbelievable. Probably, because he was always so full of life, even after he got sick. While we have known Doren just over 10 years, he put a lot of life in those 10 years. His triumphant leadership of the 4.0 tennis team to districts in St Louis, the reemergence of his band for a gig at the ID, and his spirited defense of the values of the Republican party are just a few examples of the ways in which he inspired us his middle aged friendsto experience life. Doren always approached life with wonder and enthusiasm as if each was his last day. There were times, when we would "wonder", about his line call or his position on a controversial issue, but we never questioned his sincerity, or if we did, quickly forgot when he flashed that sheepish grin. Doren had a spirited, but kind personality--always making sure that the newest member of the club was included and having a good time. Oh, the good times that we had. We will miss you dear friend. Thanks for the memories.
Lynn and Carl Hartman
Cedar Rapids
IA
Linda, Jacqueline, Dan & John, may knowing your Husband & Dad is in paradise give you peace. As a kid, I idolized Doren. When he walked into a room, it was like a well trained comic working a nightclub. I loved his explosive laugh and how he could find humor in just about anything. Doren I can never repay you for your guidance as a teen and your friendship as an adult. You'll always be my Uncle Doren and I look forward to the day when I can laugh with you again, in Heaven.
Dana Kuster
Mt Pleasant
IA
Dear Mrs. Levins and Becky- So sorry to read of Doren's passing and his long struggle with cancer. Doren was such fun-loving guy. I am sure you will miss him a lot. Lori
Monte & Lori Reeder Asbury
Washington
IA
Kuster Family, I was sorry to learn today about the passing of Doren, from a dear friend. I remember Doren, well from my junior high & high school years in Burlington. He was always a "stand up" guy & I am sure that even thou our lives took different paths that he touched many lives along his journey as he traveled home to his Father's House. You should have peace even though you will miss him that he is waiting for you all in a better place & that eternity is for always... Take Care & may you find Peace with God, in these days,
Rick Hanke
Hudsonville
MI
USA
Dear Linda, Jacqueline, Daniel,and John, I would like for you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry that I was unable to attend the services for Doren. Doren was a great guy and Jeff and I loved him dearly. There are few people in this world that could bring a smile to your face like Doren could. Linda, I have the greatest respect for you and your children. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you all at times during the last couple of years. It takes great strength of character and a lot of love to go through something like this. I wish you all the best. Sincerely, Cathy Miller
Cathy Miller
Granbury
TX
Linda, Jacquelyn, Daniel, John and Bonnie You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with your great loss. Doren will be SO missed. Steve, Cyndi and Ashley Scott
Cyndi Scott
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Linda, Jacqueline, Daniel, and John, When I was 7 years old and Doren wasn’t even walking yet, I would wait until Mother laid him down for his afternoon nap and lift him out of his crib, which was difficult as Doren was a very chunky babe. I then put him on Mom and Dads bed and would play for about an hour. Mother never did catch me disturbing his nap. Of all the memories I personally have of Doren this one is on top of my list. Doren was a huge help to Taylor and I when we moved back to 925 S. 5th, he was always there for us and for a while he was more like my older brother instead of the other way around. Rest in peace little brother . God Bless You and your sweet family. Linda, I will be there for you for whatever it is that you and the children need. I love you. Janny
Jan Kuster Hennenfent
Smithshire
IA
From eulogy for Doren Eugene Kuster When you know someone for 34 years, you have a lot of stories to tell but I won’t be telling them all today. When I think about Doren’s legacy, two things dominate in my mind – one is his love for his family and the other is his ability to fearlessly embrace life. Doren was blessed with a large loving family and he enjoyed spending time with every person in it. But I would like to focus on Doren as a father, a part of him I knew well. No one ever loved their children more than he did. When each of our kids were little, Doren would sit there and watch them dance or draw or build blocks as if it were the most fascinating feat on earth and they were the most phenomenal human beings ever born. From their first breaths, Doren was entranced by his children. He was a very involved father – he walked the floors with crying babies and he changed diapers. He sang to them, read to them, played games or threw balls with them for hours. Doren had the ability to relate to children on their level – making up silly words, putting up tent cities in the bedrooms for sleepovers, wrestling on the floor with the boys, dancing with Jacqueline – he showed our children how to enjoy even the simplest things in life – liking settling down for an evening of movie watching, an activity he called “Moling”. As they grew up, he remained a caring and involved father. Doren coached some of their sports teams, took them to tennis tournaments, attended all their musical concerts and school events, participated in Indian Princesses with Jacqueline and Boy Scouts with Dan, and much more – always encouraging them to enjoy what they were doing and try their best. He often wrote them sweet letters on special occasions or when he wanted to share in their victory or defeat. I remember one in particular that he wrote Dan after the disastrous Cubs post season in 2003. Doren made everything we did as a family more fun – one memory seared in my mind was when we were driving into Starved Rock Park in Illinois and he had us all sing the song “I’ll Fly Away” a family favorite. Doren assigned us all our own parts – John had the coveted “in the morning” part. It was a beautiful fall day with the leaves changing and we all sang at the top of our lungs – over and over. We had so many times like that – traveling, fishing, camping, tennis, Cubs games, Hawkeye games, friends and family at our home, we at their homes, movies, concerts, festivals, museums, and more.. Of course, being a father isn’t all about fun and enjoying life with your family – it is also about teaching the right values and being firm when necessary. Doren did that well, too. He had a short saying that he would utter many times to the children that captured his position on priorities – it was simply “God, family, school, friends” in that order and with no room for fudging. And when the kids messed up as all kids do, he would give them consequences, but he would also lend an understanding and caring ear. Doren was truly a wonderful dad and the hardest part of his early death for me is that he will not physically be here with them to see the results of all his love and attention. But I know he lives in them and will be with them forever. The second part of Doren that I have thought about often is his ability to fearlessly embrace life. He had passion and interest in life and he was not afraid to take risks or to fail. When he was 17, he and his friend Jeff took off with a pup tent and a few supplies and traveled over to the East Coast and back. When he was 27, he married a strong willed German girl from Chicago. He wasn’t afraid to go for the winning shot in tennis or apologize to someone he might have wronged. When we would go hiking with the kids, he would often stand on the rock ledge showing them the scenery, while my fear of heights had me hugging a tree somewhere. Close to 50, he decided to give up the security of a 21 year career with the same company and start his own business. Around the same age, he put his singing bragging rights on the line and joined a rock band. Doren really believed in living life – that the experience, the trying, -- was what really mattered, not so much the results. I would like to read to you his favorite quotation, it is from Teddy Roosevelt. It is not the critic who counts, Nor the man who points out How the strong man stumbled Or where the doer of deeds Could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man Who is actually in the arena; Whose face is marred By dust and sweat and blood; Who strives valiantly; Who errs and comes short again and again; Who knows the great enthusiasms, The great devotions, And spends himself in a worthy cause; Who, at best, knows the triumph Of high achievement; And who, at worst, if he fails, At least fails while doing greatly. So that his place shall never be With those cold and timid souls Who know neither victory nor defeat. Although Doren fought as hard as anyone could against his cancer, without complaint or self-pity, he eventually lost that battle. I take comfort, however, in knowing he is enjoying the ultimate victory in the presence of the Lord – and that he will be a true champion in our hearts forever. Your wife and best friend, Linda
Linda
Cedar Rapids
IA
Linda asked me to post the eulogy I gave to Doren at his service...... Looking back on my childhood, and being from a family of ten, you would think my memories would be crowded with all of my brothers and sisters. That is not the case. There is only one sibling there beside me. That is Doren. Because we were less than two years apart and because we were the youngest two of the ten, it almost seems like we had it all to ourselves. We were each other's protector. As children and truthfully as adults, too neither Doren nor I wanted to be far from our mother. It was hard for me to start kindergarten. It was even harder for Doren. Having each other close by in school helped. In first grade, shortly after school had started for the year, I ran outside for recess. Kids came running up to me to tell me my little kindergarten brother was sitting on the wall crying. Hopscotch, jump rope and jacks could wait. I ran over to him to see what had happened. One look told me. He had cut a huge patch out of his hair with his school scissors. Little did we know that later in life our father would end up doing the same thing with electric clippers. But, that day, the little boy sitting on that wall was devastated by his teacher's reprimand. Doren and I sat on that wall with our arms around each other until recess was over. Of course we would get into fights as brothers and sisters do, but we knew we always always would love each other no matter what. We were best buddies. We played with army men on the banks of our house. He tried over and over again to teach me to make those cool gun noises that I believe is a talent little boys are born with. All I could ever muster was "keeo-keeo". He was frustrated but played with me anyway. And, when I wanted to play school or store, I always got to be the teacher or the shopkeeper. He never seemed to mind, and I loved being able to boss him around in those roles. My Christmas memories are so wonderful. The rest of my brothers and sisters were there, of course, but once again, my memories are of Doren and me. Doren would wake up very early, usually around 4 o'clock. He would come into my room and shake me and say, "Debbie, wake up. It's Christmas!" Was there ever a better feeling as a child than that tingle of Christmas morning? We would run downstairs together and rip through all of our presents before Mom and Dad ever got out of bed. One year, when we were older, we found all of our presents two days before Christmas. We got them all out, even played with them, and then put them back as best we could. Somehow, the excitement of the morning was a real let-down that year. We never looked for them again. And, as we got older, I can not tell you how many times Doren would come into my room during the night, shake me awake and say, "Debbie, wake up, it's Chistmas!" The tingle would disappear in a big hurry when I would realize it was March or July. On my fortieth birthday, a package came in the mail for me. Inside were forty silly presents Doren had picked out for me. I remember a candy necklace, candy lipstick, and my favorite, a nose whistle. It made me laugh and made my day. When I called Doren to thank him, he laughed and said he had had so much fun picking it all out, and had broken in the nose whistle for me. Doren was the entertainer of our family-the quickest wit, the best dancer, and yessorry Karen the best singer. The party was where Doren happened to be. He was also our parent's favorite. There, I said it, in front of you all. Not that they loved him anymore, but he was their baby and could do little wrong. Even when he did do wrong, it seemed like they forgave him faster. We all did, he was our favorite, too. Doren was a loving husband to Linda, who he was so proud of. Love is easy when life is sweet. True love shines during times of stess and sorrow. Linda and Doren's love never has shined brighter than during these last two years. Our family adores you Linda, and we thank you for the love and care you have given our brother. No father loved his chlldren more than Doren did Jacqueline, Dan and John. He constantly pushed them to help them realize all he knew they could be. How he would have loved being a grandfather! As I stand here today and picture Doren, I see God smiling at him. Doren is singing and dancing to a Doobie Brother's song, probably "Black Water". Dad is watching and grinning and Mom is asking him if he wants anything to eat. I love you, Doren, and I will miss you forever.
Deborah Eastburn
Bettendorf
IA
Dearest Linda and Family, I did not know your husband and sorry for my loss there. I am another MRI owner and thus feel we are all part of the MRI Family. I saddens me to learn at such a young age you had to face such a challenge and heart break. Please know my heart is with you and your family. God Bless PJ Jones