Memorial
Dr. Laura Ann Tomaszek, DVM, 65, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Sunday September 20, 2026, after a long illness. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Laura was born in January 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Albert and Petronella (Gecas) Strezo. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in June1983, continuing post-graduate work there until moving to Fullerton, California to marry her sweetheart, Thomas Tomaszek in June 1984.
Laura continued her post-graduate work, as well as working as a teaching assistant at California State University, Fullerton. Laura was accepted to the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 on her first application. Dr. Laura Tomaszek earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in June 1991.
In early 1992, Laura and Tom relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for Tom’s job change, where, after a stint working at local Veterinary practices, Dr. Tomaszek started her own practice, House Call Veterinary Care, in 1993, out of a Honda Civic. This practice then evolved into Critter Clinic, in Marion, Iowa, in March 1996. Dr. Tomaszek had a thriving practice, with a special skill and interest in exotics, until she became ill in early 2001, at which time she was forced to sell her business and cease practicing.
The following years Laura and Tom tried to live fun, full lives.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Tom; her sister and family, including two nieces; in addition, two sisters-in-law, nieces and grandnieces on Tom’s side.
A thank you to the staff at The Views of Marion for all of the kindness, care, and compassion they showed Laura over the past several years.
Memorial contributions in Dr. Laura Tomaszeks honor may be made to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.