Memorial

Wilma Jayne Lake, 96, died February 17, 2026, in the arms of her family, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital, Ed & Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit, in Cedar Rapids, lowa. Wilma was born to Helen (White) and Henry Steffen on December 2, 1929, at their home in Luxemburg, lowa. She loved growing up "where the whole town was a playground," and had fond memories of scampering across the street to her father's Ungs and Steffen General Store. Wilma attended high school at Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque, and in 1951 she graduated from Clarke College (University) with a major in sociology and a minor in psychology. Following graduation, Wilma worked as a social worker in adoption and child protective services at Catholic Charities in Dubuque and later as a medical social worker on the surgery wards at the University of lowa. 

Wilma married Dr. Carlton Bernard Lake on August 22, 1953. Following Carl's graduation from the University of lowa College of Medicine, they moved to Flint, Michigan for Carl's internship and then to Fort Benning, Georgia where he fulfilled his draft requirement as a U.S. Army Captain. They returned to lowa and settled in Cedar Rapids where Carl began his career in Family Practice. Together they embraced their active family life with five growing children. Wilma was a nurturing, intuitive mother and her children's friends frequently gathered at their home to find a "warm Wilma welcome" and plenty to eat. Her children and grandchildren will remember her kindness, integrity, humility, and humor. 

Wilma and Carl were founding members of St. Pius X Catholic Church and members of St. Matthew Catholic Church for over 60 years. Their loving 66-year marriage served as an inspiration. By modeling strong faith, it was no surprise her children and grandchildren all graduated from Catholic colleges and universities. She prioritized time to volunteer at her children's schools and Mercy Hospital for decades. Wilma's spunk led her to learn to ski at age 40 for memorable family vacations in Colorado. She and Carl loved the arts, sports, and travel, and during retirement enjoyed winter months in Naples, Florida. Wilma had a genuine interest in others and cherished her friends and neighbors including the Eugene Nassif Sr. family and her weekly walking group. She turned challenges into "silver linings" and shared her wisdom and witty guidance with four generations. 

Wilma was fortunate to be a "super-ager" who aged gracefully with a youthful, curious attitude and a sharp mind. While maintaining traditional diary keeping and letter writing (always with relevant clippings), she adeptly adjusted to electronic communication, news and social media on her iPad and kept meaningful connections with friends and relatives across the country. Wilma was grateful to remain in her home enjoying the lowa Hawkeyes on TV and all the birds and animals who visited her backyard. 

She is survived by her children Jeffrey and Andrew of Cedar Rapids, Joseph (Leila Stortz) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dr. Peter (Dr. Ulrike Kuhnle) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Dr. Mary "MaryBeth" Elizabeth (Joseph Hasson) of Evanston, Illinois. In addition, grandchildren Michaelen (Jared) Sundstrom, Alexandra (Will) Fox, Weston (Rachel) Lake, Steffen (Katherine) Lake, Annie and Charlie Hasson, Caroline (Tom) Metcalf and great- grandchildren Graham, Everett, and Eloise Sundstrom, Henry and Charlotte Lake, Theodore "Teddy" and Elisabeth "Libby" Fox, and Henry Lake. Wilma is also survived by her brother Dr. Dennis (Kay) Steffen and nephews Dr. Eric (Catherine), David (Sara), and Greg Steffen. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Christopher, and sister-in-law JoAnn (Dr. George) Auer. 

Visitation was held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on February 20, 2026, and a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Matthew Catholic Church on February 21, 2026, with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family extends their sincere gratitude to Wilma's healthcare professionals for providing expert and compassionate care. 

Memorial donations may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church, Catherine McAuley Center (Cedar Rapids), Camp Courageous (Jones County, lowa) or a charity of choice.