Memorial

Minerva Josephine Blockhus, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Thursday, March 14, 2019 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. Funeral Service: 1:00 pm Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held Monday, March 18, 2019 from 3:30-6:30 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Minerva was born September 14, 1922, the daughter of Carl and Martha (Sampson) Johnson, in rural Clayton County, Iowa. She was married to Herbert Blockhus on July 23, 1941 in Caledonia, Minnesota. He passed away on August 16, 1989. Together they farmed in the Elgin, Iowa area until 1967, when they moved to Marion, Iowa. 

She loved spending time with her family more than anything. Minerva later attended adult education classes and received her high school diploma from Kirkwood Community College at the age of 60. She enjoyed square dancing, shuffleboard, and playing cards. Minerva lived on her own until the age of 92, before moving in with her youngest daughter, Angela and family. She greatly enjoyed birds and feeding wildlife. Minerva was a friend to everyone. She will be missed dearly, but we know she is with her Lord and Savior now. 

Survivors include her three sons, David (Sherry) Blockhus, Carlyle (Zaida) Blockhus, Norris (Lonnie) Blockhus; two daughters, Shirley (John) Metz, Angela (Mike) Dahl; thirteen grandchildren, Desiree, Derek, Joshua, Mike, Chris, D.J., Marlena, Karen, Brent, Nora, Sara, Ashley, Mitchell; seventeen great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Drew Metz; two brothers, Martin and Joseph Johnson; and four sisters, Mary Larson, Clara Larson, Selma Peterson Bailey, and Hilda Guler. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Anne Metzger, Hospice of Mercy, along with Elli, Debbie and Sheri for all their help over the last few years. 

Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Minerva to be given to some of her favorite charities.