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V. Gail Crane

June 25, 1961 ~ August 14, 2026

V. Gail Crane, 65, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, Iowa, from pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be held from 4-5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. A Memorial Service will begin at 5:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in the future.

Gail was born June 25, 1961, in Fort Lee, Virginia, daughter of Robert and Judith (Burns) Deal. She graduated from Marion High School and received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Mount Mercy College. She worked as a registered nurse for UnityPoint, Cottage Grove Place, and Mercy Medical Center. She was united in marriage to David Crane on October 8, 1999, in Cedar Rapids.

Gail enjoyed cycling, gardening, and crocheting. She was a devoted nurse who cared deeply for both her patients and her family. She was a mentor, life coach, motivator, and the person everyone could turn to for anything. Most importantly, Gail cherished the time she spent with her family. She always showered her children and grandchildren with love, encouragement, and unwavering belief in them. She was a constant source of strength and support, and her love for her family was evident in everything she did.

Gail is survived by her husband, David “Dave” Crane; mother, Judith Deal; children, Shanna (Lore) Swartzendruber, Dawn (Everett) Sanchez, Chris (Jennifer) Schmitz, and Tara Crane; grandchildren, Cayman, Tybee, Bailey, Abigail, Lil Everett, Liam, Izzy, Isaak, Nathan, Levi, and Jackson; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert “Bob” Deal; grandparents Burns; and siblings, Robert “Brian” Deal; and parents-in-law, Tom and Ruth Crane.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Mercy.

Broadcast Date:

Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services Broadcast

Services

Visitation: Thursday, August 20, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services - Cedar Rapids
1844 1st Ave. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

319-362-2147
info@stewartbaxter.com

Memorial Service: Thursday, August 20, 2026
5:00 pm

Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services - Cedar Rapids
1844 1st Ave. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

319-362-2147
info@stewartbaxter.com

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  1. I enjoyed the time we worked together, the laughs we shared, some tears also. You were an amazing nurse and proud mom and grandma. I pray for peace and healing for your husband and family. You will be missed.

  2. I’m very sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead. May the “God of all comfort” be close to you and sustain you through this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)

    • Gail Deal Crane , we had so many fun times together at CB Vernon and Marion High School before our lives diverged and adulthood came calling. I will always remember the dance parties and slumber parties in your basement, the shenanigans we got up to, the study halls where we didn’t really study and all the football games we attended.

      But even more than this, I remember how well you took care of my Grandma Brown and my mother, Shirley Roberts Cram Becker at the hospital when they had respiratory problems. You were a woman dedicated to your patients, your residents and your family. Your light will never dim. Rest in Peace and Be Blessed, my friend. I’ll always love you and treasure our friendship.

      • Dave and family, I am so sad to hear of Gail’s passing. I greatly enjoyed my time working with her at Mercy. She was one of a kind.

  3. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I remember Gail as a very young girl. Her dad, Bob, was my first cousin. Condolences. Jan (Pazour) Hinrichs

  4. The world has lost an angel on earth. Gail was the sweetest, kindest person. I will miss our messenger exchanges. Rest well Gail. Much love sent to David and the rest of the family.

  5. So sorry to hear this! Gail was an amazing lady and a kind caring nurse! She will be missed by many. Rest in peace Gail.

  6. Ohhh how incredibly sad and shocking to see this. I had a lot of laughs with her over the years. I’m so very sorry for such an unbearable loss.

  7. Dave and family: I am so sad to hear of Gail’s passing, and your tremendous loss. Working with her at Mercy, Crestview and Cottage Grove I saw what an amazing nurse she was and the love she had for her family was so evident in all the stories she would share. You all were her pride and joy.

  8. They say the sweetest and kindest folks you know always go first…definitely true in this case! You will be missed but loved forever and I hope you are preparing a slumber party for Jill and I where we never have to worry about getting caught “ having fun”!!

    We’ll see you again in a better place to be sure🫶🏽

  9. I worked with Gail at Crestview Acres. She was a kind & caring nurse. My thoughts & prayers are with her family during this difficult time. She will be greatly missed by many people. Fly High Gail!!!!

  10. I worked at Crestview Acres with Gail she was amazing and caring to everyone she came into contact with She will be greatly missed Thinking of her Family in this difficult time ShenoSpecial

  11. Gail and I worked together at Crestview Acres and shared an office for awhile. Gail was very kind and generous. She had a great sense of humor…. From duct taping a co-workers teddy bear to a chair when they were out to randomly playing pranks on me! She named her plant Butch and we had a sock puppet in our office for some comic relief! She was often thinking of others when they least expected it. She would often talk about her kids, husband and grandkids, she loved them all so much and often told me. We shared great times and she will be missed. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  12. Omgoodness, this is sad, just hard to believe. I met Gail at Crestview. I really enjoyed working with her. She was smart, funny, kind, compassionate, and a great nurse! I remember her talking about her bicycle rides and her family. I’m so sorry! Sending my deepest sympathies

    • Dave and family, Thinking of you at this difficult time. I saw Gail awhile back when she took care of my husband. He had great things to say. May she find peace.

  13. I am so grateful I was able to meet Dave and Gail when they visited Prescott.
    Gail was a quiet spirit with such a warm smile that welcomed me into the family.
    Gail, remember my words I messaged you. Now you can tell Amy for me. 🫂

  14. I always admired your kindness and friendship, even if it was just passing acquaintance from school and face book. Your garden and yard pictures and kind words will be greatly missed.

  15. I can’t believe Gail has left this world. She helped me in this healthcare field. I always looked up to her and loved the advise she gave to me. She will be an Angel helping many of us.😞🙏💕

  16. To Dave and the entire family,
    I will always remember Gail. She welcomed me into her home with such kindness, and she raised truly amazing children. Her warmth and strength will never be forgotten. Holding all of you in my heart.


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