When the heartache subsides, I have to come up with a new word, because 'thank you' is not enough. In this gray December, we have had the warmest hugs from all those who we already knew loved us.

MSGT Dominique Reneau Blank, USAF ret.On January 3rd, 2023 our family lost our guiding light, Dominique Reneau Blank, age 57, in Iowa City. The center of our family, she was a mother, daughter, wife, and best friend.

Debra “Debbie” Jane Nugent (Kreutner) was a caring wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend.  She gained her heavenly wings on January 6, 2023, at age 55.

Joseph Leonard Richardson, age 89, died on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 at Stoney Point Meadows Senior Living.Public Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:30 PM on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids.

Robert Sandor, 74, of Vinton, IA passed away January 7, 2023 at Belle Plaine Specialty Care.Robert was born March 14, 1948 to Louis Anthony and Joanne Violetta (Fossaro) Sandor in Cleveland, OH.

Bonnie Carole (Barnard) Fennern, age 85, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at her home in Vinton with her family by her side.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, with Rev.

Michelle Lynn Havens was born on February 28, 1969 to Cheryl (Corcoran) Basso and Michael J. Havens. She was called home to our Lord, surrounded by her family on January 2, 2023 at University Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa after a battle with heart and lung disease.

Amy Brooke Speirs, 41, died Friday, January 6, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes.Amy is survived by her daughter, Avery Weisinger of Hudson; parents, Russell and Sharon Speirs; sister, Sara (Neil) O’Brien; nieces, Liberty and Ella O’Brien; grandmother, Violet Speirs; significant other, Adam Kucera all of Traer; several aunts, uncles and cousins; ex-husband, Brent Weisinger of Hudson; and her beloved kitty, Glen.

 Cynthia L. Slate, age 70, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton.Private family services will be held in the spring.

Richard “Dick” Donels, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023. A visitation will be held from 4 — 7 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids.