Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service

11/24/2025

William Paul “Bill” Hoye passed away on Thursday, November 20, due to cancer.

Bill was born in Iowa City on September 20, 1938, the son of Thomas and Josephine (Pierick) Hoye. He was the youngest of seven children including Colletta, Thomas, Merle, Dolores, Marcelene, and Trudy. Bill graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1957. He attended the University of Iowa before deciding to leave Iowa City and pursue his dream to be an actor. He attended acting schools in Pasadena and Houston before moving to New York City. Bill was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and acted, sang, and danced in stock and off-off-Broadway plays/musicals. He was in commercials including Dentyne and Sinclair Oil. Although he enjoyed theater work, he moved back to Iowa City and completed his Liberal Arts degree at the University of Iowa. Bill worked in Cedar Rapids and Nashville before returning to Iowa City and working at Westinghouse/NCS Pearson until his retirement. Throughout the years Bill took up painting and drawing. He was very talented and enjoyed sharing his art with family and friends.

William Paul “Bill” Hoye passed away on Thursday, November 20, due to cancer. Bill was born in Iowa City on September 20, 1938, the son of Thomas and Josephine (Pierick) Hoye. He was the youngest of seven children including Colletta, Thomas, Merle, Dolores, Marcelene, and Trudy. Bill graduated f...

11/24/2025

Hilda Altmaier, 97, of Coralville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025 under the care of the Bird House in Iowa City. She was born May 11, 1928 and grew up on a farm near Watkins, Iowa. After high school graduation she spent some time as a phone operator and caretaker for her grandfather. She married Cecil Altmaier, and they raised 6 children in rural Johnson County.

Hilda spent many years as a volunteer at the University of Iowa Hospital in the gift shop, meeting and greeting everyone who entered, she never met a stranger. She moved about in her middle years, alternating time in Las Vegas and Iowa City, finally settling in Iowa City. During Covid she moved into Bridgewater Grand Living (now The Summit) and lived out her final years there. She very much enjoyed family visits and meeting new friends over meals. She was an avid reader and puzzle worker throughout her life. Her last days were spent under the compassionate care of the Bird House in Iowa City and Compassus Hospice, and we thank them for their kindness.

Hilda Altmaier, 97, of Coralville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025 under the care of the Bird House in Iowa City. She was born May 11, 1928 and grew up on a farm near Watkins, Iowa. After high school graduation she spent some time as a phone operator and caretaker for her grandfath...

11/20/2025

Donald Lee Epley was born December 22, 1934, in Princeville, Illinois, to Fred and Jenny (Johnson) Epley. They farmed four miles east of Princeville and one mile north of Dunlap. Don died Saturday, November 15, at Legacy Senior Living in Iowa City. He had been battling cancer for several months.

Don and his wife Yvonne lived for over five decades in a large farmhouse on fifteen acres at the west edge of Solon. Several years ago they sold the property to the school district, and it is now the site of the Solon Middle School.

Raised on the Illinois farm with his older brother and sister, Fred Jr. and Doris, Don attended first grade through eighth in a rural one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Princeville High School in 1952 and went to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. He became a professor at Stanford University in 1960. He married Yvonne Loomis, a California native, in Redwood City, CA on August 25, 1963. Don, not yet 30, then accepted a position at the University of Iowa to become chair of its electrical engineering department. The newlyweds moved to Iowa City and soon thereafter bought the land and house in Solon. Family members used to joke that Don epitomized the saying you can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.

Donald Lee Epley was born December 22, 1934, in Princeville, Illinois, to Fred and Jenny (Johnson) Epley. They farmed four miles east of Princeville and one mile north of Dunlap. Don died Saturday, November 15, at Legacy Senior Living in Iowa City. He had been battling cancer for several months. Don...

11/19/2025

April Lenart, age 40, of Olin, Iowa, went home to Heaven on November 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 3, 1985, in La Grange, Illinois, to Joyce and Joseph Lenart. April bravely battled a chronic lung disease her entire life. Her strength, determination, and will to live inspired everyone who knew her.

April embraced life with a love for adventure. She enjoyed amusement parks, concerts, family gatherings, and any new experience that brought excitement and joy. One of her greatest joys was being an aunt to her three beloved nephews—Ethan, Gavin, and Brenden—whom she adored deeply. She also had a special love for animals and leaves behind her cherished pets Annabelle, Bella, Cosmo, and Shadow.

Family meant everything to April. She treasured time with her extended family and shared a lifelong bond with her cousin Lauren. April’s mother, Joyce, devoted her life to caring for her, especially in the hardest years of her illness. April is also survived by her father, Joseph Lenart; her sister, Amanda Muhs, and husband Nathan; her 3 nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

April Lenart, age 40, of Olin, Iowa, went home to Heaven on November 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 3, 1985, in La Grange, Illinois, to Joyce and Joseph Lenart. April bravely battled a chronic lung disease her entire life. Her strength, determination, and will to live....

11/17/2025

Brian Lynn Kleis, 51, passed away, November 13, 2025, surrounded by love, leaving behind a life full of curiosity, creativity, and joy. Brian was born January 10, 1974, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Keith Harold and Judie Lynn (Stamp) Kleis. He grew up in Maquoketa and graduated with the Class of 1992 before attending Loras College in Dubuque.

Brian began his career with radio stations, KMAQ and KAT- FM as an announcer—a job that suited his warm voice, quick wit, and love of storytelling. He later found his professional home in computer programming, software trainer and IT, supporting countless businesses with both his expertise and his characteristic patience and humor.

If you knew Brian—and many were lucky to—you knew a man with a boundless enthusiasm for the things he loved. Disney, Star Wars, Legos, and a love of books that he got from his Grandma Ruth. Brian used his reading in every opportunity, especially with trivia and he was famous among friends for his “vast knowledge of useless information,” offered always with a grin. Though he claimed he couldn’t cook, he adored good food and approached every meal like a joyful adventure. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon and choir member, Brian adored the family he found within those walls.

Brian Lynn Kleis, 51, passed away, November 13, 2025, surrounded by love, leaving behind a life full of curiosity, creativity, and joy. Brian was born January 10, 1974, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Keith Harold and Judie Lynn (Stamp) Kleis. He grew up in Maquoketa and graduated with the Class of 1...

11/17/2025

John Francis Schneider
June 3, 1954 – November 15, 2025

John F. Schneider, 71, of Lone Tree passed away on November 15th after a heroic, strong, and hopeful battle with cancer.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11am. A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held following the mass at Johnson County Fairgrounds Building “C’ from 2pm until 6pm, all are welcome.

John was born on June 3, 1954, to Elmer and Vernita (Droll) Schneider and was raised in rural Riverside. He graduated from Highland High School in 1972 and later from Kirkwood Community College.

On February 5, 1977, John married Carol (Fobian) in Riverside, Iowa. Together they raised three children in rural Lone Tree, where they built a life rooted in family, farming, and community.

John Francis Schneider June 3, 1954 – November 15, 2025 John F. Schneider, 71, of Lone Tree passed away on November 15th after a heroic, strong, and hopeful battle with cancer. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11am. A Celeb...

11/14/2025

Virginia Helen Hirst, 92, passed away November 2, 2025 at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City, Iowa.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City with inurnment in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be directed to Oaknoll Foundation or to Trinity Episcopal Church.
Virginia was born on March 27, 1933, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to George and Fay (Lowenberg) Hirst. Despite growing up through the depression years, she enjoyed an idyllic life in the thriving southern Iowa community with her parents and younger sister, Carol, with whom she remained very close throughout their lives.

Virginia Helen Hirst, 92, passed away November 2, 2025 at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City, Iowa. Memorial services will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City with inurnment in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can...

11/14/2025

James C. Knapp, longtime resident of Iowa City, died on October 29, 2025, with family by his side.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church in North Liberty on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00. A graveside service will follow in the summer at Clear Lake Municipal Cemetery.

Born August 5, 1940, Jim was the only child of Paul and Nell (Petersen) Knapp of Clear Lake, Iowa.

As a child attending Clear Lake Schools, Jim was active in Boy Scouts. Boy Scout principles of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, thrift, bravery and reverence guided Jim throughout his life. Very social, young Jim and his childhood pals laid the groundwork for lifelong friendships. Jim was close with his parents, working alongside them, tending muskmelons, asparagus and other crops in one of several family businesses, Knapp Gardens. Homebuilding and real estate skills learned at home would later shape his career. It was another family activity, introduced by his parents when he was 13, that would become a source of lifelong pleasure for Jim--the game of bridge.

James C. Knapp, longtime resident of Iowa City, died on October 29, 2025, with family by his side. A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church in North Liberty on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00. A graveside service will follow in the summer at Clear Lake Municipal Cemetery. Born August 5...

11/11/2025

Thank you Veterans for all of your service, bravery and sacrifice. We are forever grateful!

10/27/2025

Following a very brief illness, Elizabeth Ann Nay of North Liberty, IA passed away on October 24, 2025 with her mother and sister by her side.

Beth (family only nickname) entered the world with barely a whimper on February 12, 1979. We discovered very quickly that this was not an indication of what was to come – she was born with fiery red hair and a temperament to match. She loved deeply and was fiercely protective of the critters and humans she loved, in that order. Her stubbornness reared its head to the very end and even in the weakness that came with being ravaged by cancer, she had a middle finger that continued to function way too well when her sister requested cooperation in her care. Even though Beth experienced significant ups and downs in her life that knocked her down for a while, she always managed to pick herself up and move on with a new resolve. Her life was defined by kindness and quiet strength. She will be missed.

Following a very brief illness, Elizabeth Ann Nay of North Liberty, IA passed away on October 24, 2025 with her mother and sister by her side. Beth (family only nickname) entered the world with barely a whimper on February 12, 1979. We discovered very quickly that this was not an indication of what....

10/27/2025

Guy W. Williams, age 67, of Iowa City, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at University of Iowa Healthcare-Downtown surrounded by family.

A Masonic Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds Building A, with a Celebration of Life to follow. Please join us in fellowship with food and beverages provided. Barn casual attire.

Born on September 20, 1958 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Guy was the son of Tom and Karen (Herrick) Williams. Guy graduated from West High School, then attended Kirkwood Community College, where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Agriculture Production.

Guy was a lifelong farmer in Johnson County. He also worked for Maxwell Construction. Guy was united in marriage to Mindy Stebens on September 8, 1990 at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City.

Guy W. Williams, age 67, of Iowa City, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at University of Iowa Healthcare-Downtown surrounded by family. A Masonic Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds Building A, with a Celebration of Life to follow....

10/27/2025

Stanley Merle Aldinger, 96, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born November 21, 1928, in Rowan, Iowa, Stan was the son of Florence and Fred Aldinger.

A gifted student, Stan graduated as valedictorian from Rowan High School in 1946. He spent his post-high school years helping on the family farm and studying at Iowa State and earning his B.S. degree. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He went on to earn a Master of Science in 1954 and later a Doctorate in Animal Nutrition from Iowa State University, with minors in bacteriology, biochemistry, and physiology. His academic dedication reflected a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence. He also taught vocational agriculture for a few years in Toledo, Iowa.

He married the love of his life, Marjorie, on June 29, 1958 and together they celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Stan spent his entire professional career, starting in 1959 at Yoder Feeds, Kalona, in animal nutrition eventually serving as Vice-President and President until his retirement in 1994.

Stanley Merle Aldinger November 21, 1928 – October 24, 2025 Stanley Merle Aldinger, 96, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born November 21, 1928, in Rowan, Iowa, Stan was the son of Florence and Fred Aldinger. A gifted student, Stan graduated...