Obituary of Lori K. Bross

It’s with great sadness that we celebrate the legacy Lori K. Bross built – one of family, one of strength and bravery, one of love. Lori passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, surrounded by loved ones in her home. She had just celebrated her 60th birthday. Born in Iowa City on July 2, 1960, to John and Jean Swenka, Lori grew up on the family farm just outside of West Liberty. She had the kind of childhood many dream about – braiding hair in the sunshine with her sisters, riding around on mini-bikes, playing with her little lambs (Skeeter and Scooter), and learning the foundation of love that would build a family of her own. Lori met the love of her life and soulmate, Tim, at a New Year’s Eve party on the cusp of 1977. She would go on to graduate from West Liberty High School in 1978, and then marry Tim in a wedding complete with a white brimmed hat on September 7, 1979. And that was the beginning of their love story. Over their 40-year marriage, Lori and Tim were a package deal. You can hardly think of one without the other. Not only were they deeply in love, but they were the best of friends. Whether boating at the Lake (they’ve owned 6 boats) or working on their home, everything was better because they did it together. This love became the cornerstone of the family they built. Their greatest adventure, however, was becoming parents and grandparents. In fact, Lori would say that being a mom to Luke and Kera was her proudest achievement in life. Lori’s admiration of her children could only be eclipsed by one thing: grandchildren. Described as the rock in their family, her calm demeanor and positive outlook made the craziness of raising kids seem like a breeze. Her devotion to those she loved extended to her cherished pets, Bayle, Titan, and Bud the bird. Lori’s strength and spirit helped carry her, and her family, throughout a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her focus always remained on looking to the positive, no matter the situation. Lori’s happy place was anywhere with her friends and family, especially if it included sand between her toes, a slice of key lime pie, or a salt-rimmed margarita. There is no doubt she’s enjoying all those things in Heaven. Lori is survived by her husband, Tim, and their children, Luke (Tara) Bross and Kera (Chole) Casber; grandchildren, Avery and Lilly Bross and Baby Casber due in August; mother, Jean Swenka; mother-in-law, Virginia Bross; brother and sisters, John (Alice) Swenka, Wendy (Jay) Meyers, and Mary Sue (Bob) Donovan; brother-in-law, Jim Jansen; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father John Swenka; father-in-law, Duane Bross; and sisters, Cheryl (Swenka) Jansen and Terry Swenka. Memorial mass will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for the streets near the church). Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. A time for family and friends to gather to celebrate Lori’s life will be held from 4 to 7 pm Monday at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Lori’s memory to the MS Foundation or ALS Foundation. For a complete obituary, to share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Lori’s memory to the MS Foundation or ALS Foundation. “Social distancing standards will be in place along with the expectation of all in attendance will be expected to wear a mask. If you arrive without one will be provided to you by the funeral home. Thank you for supporting Lori’s family with your presence and being conscientious in doing so.”