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.
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








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)
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.
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
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.
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.
We’ll see you again in a better place to be sure🫶🏽
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!!!!
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
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.
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. 🫂
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.