LaWanna Ottaway
July 8, 1940 ~ November 12, 2022
LaWanna Jean (Tischer) Ottaway, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. Saturday November, 19, 2022, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Sabula, Iowa. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Ronald; children, Ron (Eilin) Ottaway, Jr., Dan (Pam) Ottaway, Teresa (Danny) Kleinmeyer, Laure (Loren) Mendenhall, Tim (Sherry) Ottaway, Patty Ottaway (Chris) Watts; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert 'Bob' Tischer.
LaWanna was born on July 8, 1940, the daughter of Carl and Anna (Nelson) Tischer, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She attended from Marion High School and on August 3, 1957, LaWanna married Ronald Ottaway at St. Matthew's. LaWanna's time with her family and friends was precious for her. She and Ron looked forward to splitting their time between Iowa and their condo in Arizona, in addition to their many travels around the world. LaWanna also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, shopping with her daughters and daughters-in-law, and following and supporting Ron in his races where she gained a lot of friendships.
LaWanna was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Tischer, Anna Tischer Laker, and Bob Laker; siblings, Rosemary Tischer, Carol Robertson, Harold 'Billy' Tischer, Joanne (Harlan 'Buck') Kelly, and Mary (Keith) Grimm; and grandson, Aaron Mendenhall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Matthew Catholic Church.
LaWanna's family extends a sincere thank you to her doctors, Mercy Medical Center, and Cottage Grove Place Skilled Care for their compassionate care.
Please share your love and memories with LaWanna's family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
To the Ottaway family, we pray the love and peace of God enfolds you all during your journey through grief.
We love you Mom.
In the late 80’s I hung out with Laure, Tim and Patti quite a bit.
When ever we were up to Shenanigans, she would look at us with disapproval, then shoot us a sly smile and tell us to be careful, and have fun , but be careful.
My favorite memory was when I drove her to one of Ron’s races and she had an old school VHS camcorder.
Other runners and there families asked if I was with the local news, of course I said yes, thinking I was funny.
When they asked what channel, Wannie jumped right in and played along and and said ” channel 5 at 6.
I about fell over laughing that she just rattled that off.
I will laugh at that memory for the rest of my life!
Rest in Peace Wannie,
One of the nicest people I have ever known.
With caring thoughts,
Dear Teresa, Jim and I are sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I enjoyed chatting with her at Danny’s birthday parties. I hope your memories are a comfort to you and Danny, and to your family — Marty Gieryng
Our deepest sympathies to all the families of LaWanna. She was a true sweetheart. She made me feel so welcome as a family member. We had fun whenever we were together, which wasn’t often enough.❤️
Just a sweetheart ❤️
Dan and Pam – Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May this tree grow and prosper like your family, LaWanna. We know thats what you would want. May you find peace in Gods loving arms.
In memory of our sweet sister in law LaWanna Ottaway. You will be missed.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Teresa and Danny,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and all of your family, during this time of loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
All Temp Refrigeration
We love you Mom.
To the apple of my eye. I love you forever LaWanna.
The Ottaway family lived across the road from us in Crestwood Acres. Lawanna and I got together often to talk about our families. She was a wonderful, helpful friend to me and I’ve missed talking to her over the years. My sympathies to the Ottaway family.
So very sad to hear abt Aunt Lawanna’s passing Her mild manner and contagious smile will stay in my memory! My condolences to Ron and the entire family that loved her so……. Kerry Tischer
Love and prayers ! My heartfelt sympathy to her family! A wonderful and beautiful lady who touched many lives!
Im so sorry to hear about your Mom passing away, my heart breaks for you all. Sending prayers and lots of love to you all.
With are deepest sympathies to the family. Mike and Sharon Russell , Denis and Anita Russell, Deb and Rick Ruffie
We were fortunate to have LaWanna and Ron as neighbors in Arizona. What great times we had. Our heartfelt condolences to the whole family.
Our sincere condolences to the Ottaway family.
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your sweet family. With deepest condolences,
We are so sorry about LaWanna’s passing. Her family meant so much to her. RIP LaWanna. Jack and Cindy
Aunt LaWanna was a dear sweet lady and a treasure to her entire family. We deeply miss her infectious smile and calming demeanor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ottaway family at this difficult time. Another angel will be watching over us.
Sincerely,
Paula & Larry Tiernan
We’re sorry for your loss. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan, Pam and Family, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. LaWanna was a very special lady and we are blessed to have known her. She was a wonderful step grandmother to our kids and we are very thankful for the love and support she always shared. Much love to all of you.
Keevin & Ronda
To the Ottaway family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are glad we got to know LaWanna, She was a such a beautiful soul.
LaWanna became a member of our family when Laurie married our son Loren. She and Ron were friends of ours before the kids even met. Dan and Ron worked together for many years. She will be missed by all. Our prayers go out to each family member.
So sorry about your loss. She was a great person.
You have my condolences.
Mutz
Although we didn’t know you well, Ahrissa has always told us of many happy memories with you and Ron and all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren. You always had a smile on your face and what a legacy you have created. God bless the entire family.
Praying for peace and comfort for your family during this time of loss. LaWanna was a wonderful person.
With our deepest sympathy and love. Tom and Anita Wineinger and family
With loving memories of LaWanna Ottaway,
Laure and family, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
LaWanna Ottaway will remain in our hearts forever.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.