Obituary of Jean Marie Laaker

Jean Laaker, 58, of Worthington died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at her home in Worthington, Iowa surrounded by her family. Friends and family may call from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a vigil service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Jean was born July 4, 1954, in Bellevue, Iowa, the daughter of Gerald and Dee (Wellen) Ernst. She graduated from Marquette High School with the class of 1972. While working at Eska Co. she met the love of her life, Kenny Laaker, whom she married on September 13, 1975, in Bellevue, Iowa. Jean loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking with her family and friends. Her strong spirituality was evident through her love of communicating with and caring about people. Her work providing in-home daycare, sales at H&W Motor Sports and the Plaza Antique Mall was a notable demonstration of this. She was very involved with Relay for Life. She lived to love her family. Survivors include her husband Ken; children: Joel (Donna) Laaker of Dubuque, Kelsey (Justin) Hicks of Chicago, Kyle (Ashley Freese) Laaker of Cedar Rapids; parents: Gerald and Dee Ernst of Bellevue; mother-in-law Martha Laaker of Dubuque; siblings: Ken (Barb) Ernst, Chuck (Judy) Ernst, Sheri (Michael) Beadle, Randy (Ana) Ernst, Cathy (Doug) Oberbroeckling, and John (Elaine) Ernst; in-laws: Ron Duccini, Bill Lubbers, Jerry (Arlene) Laaker, and Sue (Bob) Rude. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sisters: Lori Duccini and Dianna Lubbers; father-in-law Clifford Laaker; grandparents; niece Melissa Ernst; and nephew Alexander Ernst. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Hermann and staff, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy, as well as the many friends and family that were there for her through her battle with cancer. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.