Memorial

Verna Mae (Koelker) Hawker, age 89, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids on March 13, 2018.

Verna was born on March 16, 1928 in New Vienna, IA.  Verna lived the majority of her life in Cedar Rapids and most recently as an adored resident at Heritage Specialty Care.

Verna married Laverne Hawker and settled in Cedar Rapids, where they raised their two children; Debra and Kimberly.

Verna was a dedicated and hard worker at Sears Holdings Corporation where she worked in retail.  Verna was also a dedicated member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. 

Verna was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother.  She was very proud of her family and was excited to hear about her grandchildren and great-grandchild.  

Verna was known for her kindness and helping hand. Verna loved to travel and be outdoors every chance she could get. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Her parents Louis H. and Louise Koelker; her late husband, Laverne H. Hawker; devoted daughters, Debra M. (Hawker) Renaud, and Kimberly K. Hawker; sisters, Lewellyn Koelker; Carol Ortberg; and brother, Louis Koelker, predecease her. 

She leaves behind her sisters, Marilyn Michael and Lois Lahr; grandchildren, Brandon Poehlein and spouse, Krysta Poehlein; Elizabeth Poehlein and fiancé, Russell Hoelzel, Jr; and beloved great- grandchild, Kayleigh Hoelzel. 

Family and friends will gather at the Cedar Memorial, 4200 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, on Saturday, March 17th for Visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in Cedar Memorial Cemetery.