Memorial

God opened up the gates of Heaven on September 26, 2019 to accept Sara Jane Vancura into the Garden of Love.  For that is what Sara chose is love to one another as a sign of dignity and grace.  She was a deliverer of peace and love and never communicated an unkind word to anyone.

Sara passed away at age 70 at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Campus, Rochester, Minnesota.  Funeral service celebrating Sara’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, October 4, 2019 at Westminster Church with the Rev. Roger Grandia officiating.  Private family burial will be held in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, October 3, 2019, at The Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Bob; children, Tim (Lesley) Vancura and their daughters Kennedy and Delaney; and Heidi Vancura, brother, Rodney (Linda) Riemenschneider, brother-in-law Jim (Barbara) Vancura, nieces and nephews Kelly (Chriss), Bret (Jen), Jeff, Cory (Allison), and cousins Bo, Nic, Sydney, and Charley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Nelle Riemenschneider; and one brother, Phil.

She was born January 20, 1949, in Eldora, Iowa.  She attended Iowa State University, Mankato State, and graduated from the University of Iowa.  On August 12, 1972, she married Robert Vancura in Eldora, Iowa.
 
Sara was employed as a teacher, entrepreneur, and a medical salesman.  But her favorite employment was being a realtor for the past 15 years.  She enjoyed the relationships and friendships as well as the business content along the way.

Sara was active in many clubs and memberships throughout her lifetime.  These included Junior League, PEO (JT Chapter), American Red Cross, NCSML (BrewNost), Rotary (Paul Harris Fellow), American Heart Association, TRI Delta Alumni Group, and volunteer on countless other committees.

She loved to play golf, tennis, and always found time for a bridge match and the walking trails.  She looked forward to her Florida trip every year and walking any beach and counting her steps.

Sara this year had the time of her life; taking a river boat down the Danube River from Prague to Budapest with her friends.  

She will continue in Heaven to give many people happiness and joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Sara’s name to the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library, American Heart Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.