Juanita Downey

Juanita Margaret Kresse Downey, 92, of Guttenberg, passed away on March 21, 2014, at the Guttenberg Care Center after a lengthy illness. Juanita was born on May 8, 1921, in Muscatine to Victor H Kresse and Grace C (Schultz) Kresse. She attended Muscatine High School. On August 20, 1942, she was united in marriage to Eugene "Mike" Downey in Palmyra, Missouri. Having been raised on the Mississippi River in Muscatine, Juanita loved making Guttenberg her home from 1954 until her death. She was actively involved in her community. When the need for a new hospital was recognized in 1960, Juanita went door to door soliciting funds. A great supporter of the hospital, she held various offices within the Hospital Auxiliary. An active member of the United Methodist Church, Juanita held offices in United Methodist Women, served as superintendent of childrens Sunday School, organized summer Bible School and served as a church Board member. Additionally, Juanita had been active the Band Boosters, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and the American Cancer Drive. Juanita is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Downey Sheets of Cedar Rapids and Jacqueline Downey Smith (John) of Wichita, Kansas; three grandchildren, Michael Pierce of Seattle, Washington, Matthew Pierce of Woodstock, Georgia, and Courtney Sheets of Cedar Rapids as well as two great-grandsons, Liam and Emry Pierce of Woodstock, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Eugene "Mike" Downey, her parents, two sisters, Vonda Rambo and Naomi Bales, one brother, Victor Kresse Jr, all of California and a son-in-law, Dave Sheets of Cedar Rapids.In lieu of flowers and plants, donations may be made to the Guttenberg United Methodist Church, Guttenberg United Methodist Women, Guttenberg Hospital Auxiliary or the Guttenberg Street Clock.Memorial Service: Saturday 11:00 A.M. April 05, 2014 at United Methodist Church Guttenberg IowaVisitation: Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. April 05, 2014 at United Methodist Church Guttenberg IowaGraveside Service: Saturday 1:00 P.M. April 05, 2014 at Guttenberg City Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available