Memorial

Mary Lu Takes’ life journey ended on Saturday, October 23, 2021. She was 83 and from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

We will be laying our mother to rest “with great care” beginning with the visitation on Thursday, October 28, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4-7 PM with a prayer vigil at 4:00 PM. The funeral will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 29, at All Saints Church, viewing 1 hour before. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Our mother’s life journey began when she was born to Emeret and Ida Koob on March 15, 1938, in Cascade, Iowa. 

She married Frank Takes on June 28, 1958, at St. Mary’s Church in Cascade, IA. Her eight children will miss her dearly.

Our mom lived her life in a way where she showed “great care” for everyone. In her last few days of life, she was asked by a grandchild, “With this huge family, how did you remember everyone’s birthdays?” Mom answered, “With great care.” Our family believed that was the overall theme of her life. She had a way to make everyone she met feel special. She loved every second spent with her loved ones. Mom always saw the best in people, loved unconditionally, and her welcoming spirit made you feel like family, whether you were or not. The holiday gatherings were always a favorite time for her as she knew her whole family would be coming together to celebrate. Mom was a Cubs fan and an avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes holding season tickets to men’s basketball for many years. She enjoyed writing poetry and even had a few published. She had a passion for interior painting. Not only did her family keep her busy with painting projects, but she also stayed active painting for others as well. She looked forward to spending time with her sister-in-law, Arlene, puzzling, watching ball games, and going out to eat. This 5 foot tall powerhouse had undeniable strength and courage that helped her overcome many obstacles in her life with grace. She used this drive to support and lift up the rest of us with our own challenges. 

Mom’s faith was central to her life. She was an involved member of All Saints Parish since 1971, where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years and was a Eucharistic Minister. Mom and Dad provided leadership for Pre-Cana, Marriage Enrichment, and CEW core group. She was a firm believer and advocate for Catholic education and practiced tithing throughout her life. Her greatest accomplishment was being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed attending her children, and eventually her grandchildren’s many activities, and continued this support throughout her life.

As a mother of eight children, Mom ran a busy household with patience, love, and structure. When our youngest sibling went off to elementary school, she became an active partner in Dad’s business.  She used her home management and budgeting skills to help make financial decisions and provide strategic direction. Mom and Dad brought the assisted living concept to Iowa and the Midwest. They were at the forefront of the assisted living industry in Iowa, and founders of the Iowa Assisted Living Association.

Mom is survived by her eight children and their spouses: Linda [Alan] Powell, Mark [Amy] Takes, Bruce [Denise] Takes, Lori [Dave] Stock, Lisa [Steve] Freese, Donna [Doug] Lampe, Scott [Michelle] Takes, and Todd [Kelly] Takes; 18 grandchildren: Jeffrey [Sarah], Kevin, Tony, Adam [Kristin], Corey [Hannah], Aaron [Andrea], Joseph [Ashley], Abbie [Nate], Lucas [Tamara], Mitchell, Evan, Jason [Paige], Ben, Ty, Jack, Katie, Zoey, and Cooper; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sibling, Rosie Smith and brother-in-law Dale Weidemann, sisters-in-law Grace Gallagher, Marion [Jim Emerson] Takes, and Arlene Takes, and many nieces and nephews. We are all better people because of the way Mom touched our lives and the lives of all who knew her. 

She was preceded in death by our dad, Frank, of 60 years, her parents, sisters Irene [Merlin] Rogers, Florence [Wilmer] Coyle, Katie [Tom] Gavin, Helen Weidemann, and brother Joe [Cecelia] Koob, and brother-in-law Al Smith. She lost a sibling, Dorothy Ann Koob, in infancy, parents-in-law, sisters-in-law Sr. Carla Takes CHM, Sr. Maribeth Takes CHM, Rita [John] Daniel, brothers-in-law Dan Gallagher, Harold [Pauline] Takes, and Earl Takes.

Memorials may be directed to All Saints Church or the Xavier Foundation. 

We would like to give a special thank you to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House for taking such “great care” of our parents.