Memorial
Gail Susan Juvik passed away on Sunday November 11, 2018 in Hospice Care at the University of Iowa Hospital following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Gail is survived by her brother, Paul Blanck, and stepson, Stephen McCowen (Sarah) and their two sons, Finnian and Lochlan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Ruth Blanck.
Gail was born on November 16, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Glenbrook South High School. Gail attended the University of North Texas in Denton, and then transferred to the University of Iowa where she obtained a BA Degree. She began a career in Iowa Corrections in 1975 as a Correctional Officer at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale, Iowa. In 1978, she was hired as a Probation Officer with the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services in Cedar Rapids. She worked as a Probation Officer and Presentence Investigator until July 6, 1982 when she was promoted to a supervisory position where she could advocate her strong beliefs in social justice and compassion for others. Due to Gail’s style of leadership, her staff established close friendships and worked together as a team for many years. Gail retired in 2013.
Gail was devoted to her family, being at her father’s side during his final days, traveling extensively with her mother and being a wonderful sister to her brother, Paul. Over the years, Gail’s family grew to include a close group of long term friends. Gail’s family also included the many dogs she had as pets and the Dobermans she fostered as a volunteer for Illinois Doberman Rescue. Most recently, her beloved Muppet was always at her side.
Gail lived between her home in Cedar Rapids and her condominium in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. She was the happiest when she was in Florida where she entertained friends, biked, kayaked, shopped, and walked the beautiful beaches.
Memorial Services: 11:00 a.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories by Cedar Memorial Certified Celebrant Julie Freese. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
A memorial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society/Pancreatic Cancer Research.