Gerene Gaye Lassen

Gerene Gaye Lassen was born on October 16, 1935, in Toledo, the daughter of Edward and Matie (Harmsen) Chizek. She graduated from Traer High School. On April 12, 1955, Gerene was united in marriage to Merlin Lassen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo. She was a stay-at-home mom and a farmwife while taking care of her family. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and the Traer American Legion Auxiliary. Gerene enjoyed mall-walking, bowling, playing cards, traveling, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed going on trips with Merlin with Vigortone Ag Products.

Gerene died at the age of 87 on December 1, 2022, at Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Merlin, 2 months and 10 days ago; her parents; and a grandson, Travis Loeffler.

Gerene is survived by 3 children: Randy Lassen, of Cedar Rapids, Kevin (Rhonda) Lassen, of Dysart, and Sharon (Roger) Loeffler, of Des Moines; 5 grandchildren, Tara Lassen, Sean (Shannon) Lassen, Dusty (Madison) Lassen, Evan Loeffler and Jordan Loeffler; 5 great grandchildren with one more on the way; step grandchildren: Joleen (Chris) Beeba, Rachel (Tim) Elliott, Brandon (Darrah) Pickard and Ryan (Megan) Pickard; 8 step great grandchildren; a brother, Donnie (Gini) Chizek, of Fort Dodge; nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held at a later date at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer. Overton Funeral Home in Traer is assisting the family.

Gerene’s family will be forever grateful for the love and care given to her by the amazing staff at Sunrise Hill Care Center.