Obituary of Delaine W Crippen

Delaine W. Crippen, age 84 longtime resident of the North Liberty area died May 27, 2025, at her home, one she shared with her husband William “Bill” Crippen who died only days earlier on May 20th.

Delaine W. Bliek was born February 26, 1941, here in Iowa, the daughter of Adolph and Pauline (Scoulten) Bliek. Following graduation from high school she attended college and then worked for many years as a teacher and then as an executive assistant at the University of Iowa.

Delaine and Bill had nearly 20 years of marriage and really savored the time they had together enjoying many hobbies. Delaine loved to travel with Bill to trap shoot tournaments, and they ran a Christmas tree sale business in south Texas together for many years. They also enjoyed helping with the annual fishing tournament and other fundraisers in North Liberty. 

Something that was important to both Delaine and Bill was our nation's Veterans. Delaine was a member of the North Liberty American Legion Auxiliary Post 1976, where she was active in doing many activities that benefited our Veterans. Often, she would be one of the leaders at the annual Memorial Day program. She was known to love her cats and always had a bright beautiful smile for all of them!

Her family includes her sister, Phyllis, her brother Adrian (Jenny) her niece, Patricia Jones and children and grandchildren, she shared with Bill, children Peg, Pam, Mike, Becky, Cindy, and Mark and the following Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; grandchildren Justin (Kelly) Young, Brandon (Karrie) Young, Teddy (Lauren) Overton, Christian (Heather) Overton, Elizabeth (Richie) Hojel, Cathy (Keith) Del Prete, Lauren (Russ) Ihara, Aimee (Jered)Wells, Sara Crippen, David Tygart, Joseph Tygart, Joshua (Nicki) Tygart, Matthew Tygart, Reid and Julia Crippen, Amber (Robbie) Ozzello, Sarah Paintin, Destiny (Mike)Ashley, Andi Ross; great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Henry Young, Reagan, Mason, and Hattie Young, Quinn and Jack Overton, Lincoln and Ben Del Prete, Juniper, Durham, Holland, and Penny Wells, Dane and Taytum Payton, Thayne Paintin, Britney and Liam Ashley, Taylor (Jeff) Deatsch, and Mason Deatsch, Zion, Gable, and Noah Tygart.

A Celebration of Life will be held Labor Day Weekend 2025, with specific details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Delaine & Bill’s honor. Mail contributions to Gay & Ciha Funeral Home 2720 Muscatine Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240 to share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.