All posts by Cedar Hills

Funeral

Joan Grave Memorial Service

Joan Marcella Grave Profile PhotoPlease continue to pray for the Grave family as they grieve the passing of Joan.

Visitation – Friday, October 10, 4-7pm
at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion: 3855 Katz Dr., Marion, IA 52302
Funeral Service – Saturday, October 11, 10am at Cedar Hills Community Church.

WATCH THE LIVE STREAM

OBITUARY

Joan Marcella Grave, 59, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Bickford of Marion. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Memorial services will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Cedar Hills Community Church, located at 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Private committal services will take place at a later date.

Joan was born on November 13, 1965, in Dubuque, IA, one of eight children to Herbert and Jane (Derga) Hahn. Joan grew up on their family farm near Dyersville, Iowa. Joan took pride in the hard work she did on the farm and carried it to many aspects of her life.

Joan was united in marriage to Duane Alan Grave on March 12, 1988, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they raised their three children in Marion, Iowa: Kristina Grave (Loesel), Jacob Grave, and Alexi Grave (Culbertson).

Joan was a loving stay-at-home mom, before serving as a paraprofessional for many years. She had a compassionate heart for her students. Joan was an excellent cook and enjoyed spending time in nature with her family doing activities like boating, hiking, and kayaking. She loved her family dogs, “Mitch”, “Masey”, and “Riley”. Joan was known to love Christmas, Hallmark, and giving gifts. She will be remembered as a caring friend and family member.

Joan is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Duane Grave; children, Kristina (Mitch) Loesel, Jacob (Gladis) Grave, and Alexi (Justin) Culbertson; grandchildren, Shelsyn Ponce Grave, Fernanda Padilla Grave, and Alex Figueroa Grave; mother-in-law, Donna Grave; seven siblings, Glen (Karen) Hahn, Joyce (Charlie) Harris, Jill (Virgil) Recker, Judi (Ron) Simon, Gary Hahn, Jennifer Hahn, and Jessica Hahn (Scott) Bries; many nieces and nephews; as well as many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her father in 1983 and her mother in 2023, along with her grandparents, father-in-law Marvin Grave, and several aunts and uncles.

In recognition of Joan’s love of flowers, if inclined, floral contributions may be sent to the funeral home.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Marcella Grave, please visit our flower store.

 

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Marlin Swartzendruber Memorial

Join us in praying for the family and friends of Marlin Swartzendruber as they remember and celebrate his life and arrival into the arms of Jesus.

VISITATON: Oct. 9 at 11am, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories
4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA

FUNERAL: Oct. 9 at 12pm, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with a luncheon to follow in the family center. 4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA

LIVESTREAM of the funeral service will start at 12pm on Thursday, Oct. 9.  VIEW LIVESTREAM

OBITUARY

Marlin Paul Swartzendruber (89) peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Marlin was born February 18, 1936, to Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber on a farm. north of Wellman, IA, during a blizzard. The doctor was blocked by snow covered roads, so He rode on a horse drawn sleigh over the covered fences. Ella died when Marlin was 4 years old. When his older brother D Dale graduated and left home, Marlin became chief cook at 9 years old. Orval woke Marlin up at 5:30 to do chores in the milkhouse and with the livestock. Marlin would then prepare breakfast, clean the kitchen, and walk a quarter mile to school. He would then repeat chores after school and prepare supper. Marlin was taught to drive by his Aunt Esther so by age 12, he often enjoyed driving his grandparents to church. Marlin attended kindergarten through eighth grade in a one room schoolhouse and ninth grade in Parnell, IA. Orval and Marlin moved to a farm south of Homestead where he attended Williamsburg H.S. He played football in his junior and senior years.

After graduation Marlin took a job with John Wetjen as a carpenter in 1954. After five years they went into a partnership. In 1971, Marlin bought out the business, and it became Swartzendruber Lumber and Construction Company. As is fitting for a carpenter, Marlin built his own house in Amana, IA. He started construction on his house in 1957 and worked on it daily before and after work and on Saturdays until completion in 1958.

Marlin married Judy (Metz) at Christ Church Presbyterian in Cedar Rapids in 1960. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Marlin served the church by being a deacon, an elder, and a building committee member. Together they raised three daughters and operated the company business until its closing in 2007. In his retirement he started a hobby of woodworking with a turning lathe. He created many beautiful bowls and other creations. He also built four glider swings for his family. Marlin, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for his family, his quick wit when you least expected it and his unwavering work ethic. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)

Marlin is survived by his wife Judy (Metz) Swartzendruber, his three daughters Debra (Daniel) Fick of Coralville, IA, Diane (Brian) Gunderson of Fond du Lac, WI, Dawn (Robert) Newberry of Urbandale, IA, six grandchildren, Allison Bernard, (Kyle) of Iowa City, Benjamin Fick (Mattie) of North Liberty, IA, Andrew Gunderson (Alison) of Fond du Lac, WI, Nathan Gunderson (Amy) of Appleton, WI, Jacob Newberry of Ankeny, IA, Sophie Newberry of Las Vegas, NV, and five great grandchildren, Eleanor and Emma Jo Bernard, Azalia, Ezra, and Zane Gunderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber and his brother D Dale Swartzendruber.

We are thankful for the loving care given to our family by Iowa City Hospice and The Summit of Coralville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Hills Community Church, 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, and/or Iowa City Hospice, 1526 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240.

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Ministry Highlight: Lala Ladies

LALA LADIES  – This small group of Cedar Hills musicians travels around to the Care Centers in Cedar Rapids and Marion, bringing smiles to residents with their music. This group includes Ina Boeke, Lori Tonsfeldt, and Audrey Reid. In September, they will feature Country Music!

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

  • Promise House of Hiawatha – 1:10
  • Hiawatha – 2:30

September 23

  • St. Luke’s West – 1:00
  • Cottage Place – 2:30

September 24

  • The Gardens – 10:00
  • Meadowview – 1:30

September 25

  • Stoney Meadows – 1:30
  • Westridge – 3:00
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We Are the Kind of People Who Keep Growing

We Are the Kind of People Who Keep Growing

I saw a news flash today that RFK Jr, age 71, completed 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in under six minutes. I thought, “How is that possible?”

Answer: RFK Jr. apparently still works out. A lot. He is the kind of guy who keeps growing physically. 

If growing physically strong and healthy requires continued effort, what about spiritual growth?

We are the kind of people who keep growing spiritually. We keep discovering new truths. We keep drawing near to God. We keep following Jesus into new territory. 

We know that healthy things grow. Here are three reasons why we are the kind of people who keep growing:

  1. God said, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
  2. Jesus said, “Abide in me and you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:1-5)
  3. We are called to learn and share God’s truths every day “When we rise up and when we lie down, when we sit at home and and when we walk along the way.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-8)

And if that is not motivation enough, remember that God’s Word is not static or stale, it is “living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) God is still working today – in all of us – to bring not just life, but abundant life. (John 10:10) So, keep growing. 

As Steve shared in his sermon last week, practice “Shema-ing” in a Sunday class, small group, or in your personal Bible Study.  LISTEN HERE

May the Lord be with you,
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

Did you enjoy this article? Let Kent know.

    Cedar Blog

    Why a Sunday Class?

    Why Should I Participate in Sunday Classes?

    Healthy things grow. We are the kind of people who believe that Sunday classes are one of the steps God uses to grow our faith. Growth is good. Stagnation is bad. 2 Peter 3:18 says, Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

    When we grow in our Biblical knowledge and understanding we see very specific benefits. The primary benefits is to grow in love: to love God more fully and to love others more boldly. Here are three additional benefits: 

    1. Resilience is better than anxiety. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (Ephesians 6:14a) Stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. (Colossians 4:12b)
    2. Discernment is better than deception. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. (Ephesians 4:14)
    3. Relationship is better than isolation. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)

    What steps are you taking to grow your faith? 

    Let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity. (Hebrews 6:1)

    Kent Landhuis
    Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

    Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.

      Cedar Blog

      In Process

      In Process

      I’m regularly apologizing for the state of my garden. In early spring, I say, “It is just getting started.” Later, I say, “It will look better in a few weeks.” In the middle of summer, I say, “It needs some weeds pulled.” Late in the season, I say, “It is past its prime.” Or, I say, “Wait till next year, it will be much better.”

      My garden is always in process. Here is a photo taken last night. It will probably look better next week. Like the church. Like my life. In process.

      The book The Story of Reality, by Greg Koukl, explains that living “in process” is part of our worldview as people who follow Jesus. Our “in process” comes in four stages: Creation (How things began), Fall (How things got broken), Redemption (How things will get fixed), and Restoration (How things will be once they are fixed).

      Every worldview must account for these four stages. We account for them this way: 

      1. How did things begin? God made the world and called it good. 
      2. How did things get broken? Rebellion against God. (Weeds)
      3. How will things get fixed? Jesus makes all things new. 
      4. How will things look once fixed? All things good again in God’s Kingdom.

      This worldview is good news for anyone who has ever been abused, oppressed, or mistreated. It is good news for anyone who has ever had grief, or pain, or trauma. It means that all that is broken can be fixed. All injustice can be made just. All grief can be healed. All sin can be forgiven.

      Jesus obeyed perfectly and died a horrifying death to take on the rebellion of the world. Jesus was raised from the dead, and whoever puts their trust in Jesus as their Savior will be made right with God and live in God’s Kingdom now and forever. 

      For those who trust in Jesus, he will one day wipe away every tear. One day. Until that day, we are “in process” because we live in the tension between the “now” and the “not yet” of God’s Kingdom. Like a garden, “It will look better in a few weeks.”

      Kent Landhuis
      Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

      Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.

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        Care Network and Bloomsbury Farm!

        Care Network Fundraiser
        at Bloomsbury Farm!

        The countdown is on for our biggest summer event yet— “Light Up the Night: Stories of Hope and Sparks of Change” at Bloomsbury Farm—and we are thrilled for what God is doing through this gathering of hearts!
        This evening is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of stories, connection, and kingdom impact as we continue our partnership walking alongside those in our community with Christ-centered care.

        EVENT DETAILS:

        📍 Bloomsbury Farm
        📅 Saturday, August 2nd, 5-7 pm
        ⏰ Food served 5–6 PM | Program with formal ask 6–7 PM
        🎆 Fireworks to follow!
        🎟️ Ticket includes access to 25+ family-friendly activities on the farm—this is the perfect event for all ages! Bloomsbury Farm opens 3-9pm with fireworks that evening.

        PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

        Purchasing tickets online using this link.  Or mention “CareNetworkCR” at the gate—25% of each ticket purchased supports the Care Network.