Mary Blocker

Mary Blocker

Cedar Rapids

Mary Blocker, 60, died Oct. 19, 2025, after a two-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, from noon to 2 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow.

Mary was born Oct. 5, 1965, in Denver, CO, graduated from Washington Sr. High School in Cedar Rapids and received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Iowa.

She was a dedicated teacher who epitomized the best of her profession. Her abiding belief in the value of public education led her to positively influence thousands of lives and create generations of lifelong learners. She taught elementary grades at St. James in Washington, IA, Hoglan in Marshalltown, IA, as well as Wilson, Cleveland, Coolidge and West Willow schools in Cedar Rapids.

She loved to travel – in part to aid her never-ending quest to find the perfect slice of pie. She was a gifted gardener and avid reader. She was a devoted sister and aunt.

She was kind and respectful to everyone she met, even during the most challenging moments of her illness. She championed the underdog and worked to rectify injustice. We will miss her beautiful gardens, her seemingly endless collection of seasonal décor and her lively political discussions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Shirley Blocker, and brother-in-law, Tom Lickiss. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings: Dan Blocker, Nancy Blocker, Gretchen Lickiss, Ellen Blocker, Susan Blocker (Joseph Mischka), Jane Blocker (Roger Lindsay), Sarah Bohlke (Robert), and Rebecca Blocker. Also missing their Aunt “MoMo” are Joseph Jr. and Maggie Mischka, and Boyd Lickiss.

We wish to thank the entire staff of the neurosurgery floor at UIHC. They handle some of the most demanding cases, but always made Mary feel like she was their only patient. Our mother was a surgical nurse, so we hold a special place in our hearts for this sometimes-underappreciated profession. Thank you to Drs. Greenlee, Woodiwiss and Zeitler at the University for their kind and professional care. And, finally, thank you to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House staff, who helped send Mary on her next adventure.

To honor Mary’s memory, donations may be made to the Oldorf Hospice House.