Lori Blank

Lori Ann Lucas Blank, 60, of Marion, devoted daughter, sister, friend, and mother passed away peacefully at her home on March 24, 2023, following a prolonged illness. A Celebration of Life for Lori, with visitation to follow, will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, Celebrant Dawn Stephens presiding. Lori was born December 1, 1962 in Albany, California, daughter of John and Patricia (Gouveia) Lucas. She spent much of her time growing up alongside her sister in the Bay area of San Francisco, participating in Brownie Scouts as a girl and attending several Day on the Green festivals as a teen. In 1980, after graduating High School, she enlisted in the United States Navy. Lori trained as a Yeoman and served multiple tours during her career including overseas duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (when it was a Navy operating base), in the Panama Canal Zone with Navy Special Forces, and stateside with Navy Recruiting Command in Orlando, Florida. Her final tour was as the Administrative Leading Petty Officer for the Naval ROTC Unit Hampton Roads at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, where she oversaw the administration and commissioning of future Naval Officers. During her career, she earned numerous personal decorations including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. She retired as a Yeoman First Class in 1996 and then worked as both civil service and a contractor in support of the Naval Aviation Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland. Lori and her family moved to Iowa in 2005 where she focused on her two wonderful daughters, supporting their studies and extracurricular activities, and spending time with her Great Dane, Mongo. She led the family on motorhome vacation trips, including an epic two-month coast to coast cross-country tour that took them through 22 states. She even led her family on a 9-day excursion through England and France. Lori enjoyed socializing and keeping in touch with her friends, cheering on her 49ers with her cat, Simon, and was a lover of wine, mimosa brunches, and steak dinners with her daughters. She was a supporter of Veteran's organizations and was a member of American Legion Post 57, Vinton. Lori had her Last Rites administered by the Catholic Church and now rests peacefully with the Lord and her parents, who passed before her. She is survived by her daughters Megan Hawk and Calista Blank; sister Toni (Kevin) Teutschel; uncle Tom (Shel) Gouveia; and aunt Robin (Mel) Kato. Memorials may be directed to American Legion Post 57, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), or VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).