Rita Gavin

CASCADE, IOWA

Rita L. Gavin, 98 of Cascade, Iowa passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Accura Healthcare in Cascade, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at. St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Rev. Douglas Loecke will officiate. Funeral services will be livestreamed by St. Thomas Aquinas Pastorate Facebook Page.

Rita was born on August 5, 1926, at home in rural Otter Creek, Iowa, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Small) Dunne. She received her education in a one room school near her parents’ farm and at St. Lawrence School in Otter Creek. On October 26, 1944, she married Oscar Gavin at St. Lawrence Church in Otter Creek. Together they farmed in the rural Cascade area, raising nine children. Oscar preceded her in death on March 31, 1978. Rita cherished her Catholic faith, her family and her Irish heritage.

Survivors include her children: Thad (Linda) Gavin, Coralville, Corlas (Bob) Bildstein, Dubuque, Randy (Brenda) Gavin, Cascade, Clay (Diane) Gavin, North Liberty, Brian (fiancé Laura Boeckenstedt) Gavin, Manchester, DaRae (Kevin) Coughlin, Cross Plains, WI, and Amy Vorwald, Dyersville, grandchildren: Chris (Lin) Gavin, Lisa Gavin, Meghan Gavin, Brett (Katie) Bildstein, Brianne (Kent) Foulker, Kay (Aaron) Hornbrook, Jason Gavin, Nick (fiance, Kathy Lee) Gavin, Erin (Travis) Foster, Jesse Gavin, Shane (Bree) Gavin, Andrew (Megan) Edwards-Coughlin, Cameron Coughlin, Tyler Vorwald, Riley (Erin) Vorwald, great-grandchildren: Dale Gavin, Izze Gavin, Kinzie Gavin, Brennan Gavin, Ainsley Gavin, Brooks Bildstein, Everett Bildstein, Amelia Foulker, Shawn Hornbrook, Leo Gavin, Eli Gavin, Carter Foster, Madison Foster, Rowan Gavin, Piper Gavin, Avery Edwards, Rory Vorwald, Fae Vorwald, great-great grandchild, Scarlett Gavin, and very special friends: Inge Taylor and Nick (Gabby) Taylor.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and sons: Rodney Gavin and Eric Gavin.

The family is extremely grateful to the nurses and staff at Accura Care Center, Sherry Kelchen ARNP, Rev. Mark Osterhaus, and Hospice of Dubuque staff, especially Kris, for the excellent care they gave to Rita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.