Obituary of Cecil Altmaier

Cecil Altmaier, age 80, formerly of rural Iowa City, died Sunday, February 26, 2006 at Windmill Manor, Coralville. Graveside services for Cecil will be held at noon, Thursday, March 2, 2006 at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, rural Hills, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 am Thursday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. Memorial donations may be given for the continued restoration of Cecil’s historic barn, built in 1885. Online condolences may be sent for Cecil’s family through our website at www.gayandciha.com. Pioneer Will Sleep at Last Cecil Altmaier was born in Johnson County on March 25, 1925 to Philip and Florence (Freswick) Altmaier. Cecil graduated from Sharon Center High School in 1943, where he was a basketball star. He spent two years in the US Army during the Korean War. During his stint, he served his country, and also participated in exhibition basketball games. He was a life long farmer in Johnson County, raising his family and enjoying the friendship of his neighbors. In recent years he might be found watching grandchildren swing in his restored barn, or visiting neighbors on his six wheeled gator. He had many friends, and especially enjoyed spending time with his sister, Kathleen, and having coffee with his mall walking friends. He had diverse interests but particularly enjoyed a round of euchre or a game of croquet, frequently winning at both. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was what he enjoyed most and he was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a fine old man, and will long be mourned. Cecil family includes his children, Richard Altmaier and his wife Paulette, of Coopertino, California; Phil Altmaier of North Liberty; Ralph Altmaier and his wife, Susan of Iowa City; Karen Parrott and her husband, Alan of Coralville; Joe Altmaier and his wife, Paula of Riverside and Cindy Riley and her husband, Michael of Poteau, Oklahoma. Grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rachel, Hannah, Albert, Joseph and Andrew Altmaier; Andrea, Michael and David Parrott; and Alice, Betsy and Carly Riley; two sisters, Kathleen MacTaggart of North Liberty and Miriam Calderon of Long Beach, California, a sister-in-law, Pat Altmaier of Iowa City and numerous nieces and nephews. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Dorothy Hommerding, two brothers; Cedric and Dale Altmaier and long time companion Lucille (Hughes) Palmer. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City is caring for Cecil’s family and his services.