Martha A Laaker, 94, died Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Luther Manor. Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where visitation will also be held Friday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.
Martha was born on May 14, 1922 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Elsie Oakley. She graduated from Senior High School and as a young woman worked in the offices of the Adams Co. and the Butter Co. in Dubuque.
She married Clifford Laaker in September, 1947 in Dubuque. They farmed near Lamont and raised three children. In addition to being a farm wife, she worked as a bookkeeper for J.M. Jones Co. in Manchester and was a teacher’s aide at Starmont High School in Strawberry Point. Cliff preceded her in death on May 19, 1984.
Martha was an active member and longtime treasurer of Grace Methodist Church in Lamont. She helped make many banners for the church, which are still on display and enjoyed today. She was active in Eastern Star, Garden Club, Card Club, and Starmont Boosters. She was an avid Hawkeyes and Cubs fan.
She had a loving manner and made many friends. After Cliff’s death she enjoyed traveling with her brother and sister-in-law, visiting England, The Holy Land, Alaska and the Panama Canal.
She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother and was happiest when her entire family was together, especially at holidays.
Those left to cherish her memory as her sons, Gerald (Arlene) of Dubuque, Kenneth (Dianna) of Sterling, Ill., and daughter, Susan (Bob) Rude of Minneapolis, Mn.; grandchildren, Jodi, Jason, Joel, Kelsey, Kyle and Grace; great- grandchildren, Jada, Vanessa, Alison, Emily, Jacob, Isla, Cullen, and Landon; brother, Roger (Betty) Oakley.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Betty; and daughter-in-law, Jean.
For further information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sunset Park Place, Luther Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque,