Claudia Durow

Claudia Durow, age 75, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease. Though the disease slowly took her memory, it never dimmed her vibrant spirit, warm heart, or unshakable faith.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A funeral mass to celebrate Claudia's life will take place Tuesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, with a luncheon to follow at the church. A private family burial will follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Claudia is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Don; her daughters, Angie (Matt) Charipar and Katie Pernicone (Shane Reilly); stepchildren, Wesley (Maryellen) Durow, Alexis (Dr. Phil) Kaaret-Durow, Courtney (David) Durow-Klotz, and Jordan (Casey) Durow; and her cherished grandchildren who adored her. Eliot and Augie Charipar, Chandler, Grant, Harrison, and Matthew Durow, and Laryssa, Josiah, and Malakai Durow-Klotz.

She is also survived by her beloved siblings: Renee (James) Phelps, Mark (Carole) Reinhart, Jane (Albert) Sankot, Neil (Barbara) Reinhart, Ralph (Anne) Reinhart, Celeste (Dr. Tony) Oreskovich, and Elizabeth (Chis) Ryan, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jarrod; her parents, Dr. Virgil, and Marie Reinhart; and her in-laws, Floyd and Berniece Durow.

Claudia often said, "If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's we would grab ours back." This wisdom perfectly captured her grateful, grounded, and resilient outlook on life.

Claudia was born to Dr. Virgil and Marie Reinhart of Norway, Iowa, the second of eight children in a close-knit and loving family. From a young age, Claudia was known for her unwavering Catholic faith, grace, and sense of style. As a teenager, she modeled for Seifert Women's Clothing Store and served on their high school fashion board - early signs of her elegance and charm. She also loved sports -especially college football - and was known for her humor, common sense, radiant smile, infections laugh, positive outlook, kind heart, and strength in the face of adversity.

She dedicated nearly 35 years to her professional career at Life Investors (Aegon), where her diligence and warmth were recognized with a prestigious work achievement award in 1996. Claudia found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life - especially the color red. Whether she was dressed in one of her signature red outfits, donning a stylish hat, or cruising around town in her red BMW, Claudia exuded a timeless vibrancy.

Both she and Don were single for many years, met and dated for several months, then married in late 1994. Together they shared an incredible journey filled with travel, laughter, and companionship. Their adventures took them across the world-from the Vatican to the Caribbean, and across 44 U.S. states and 8 European countries - each destination made more special by being together.

Claudia's family wishes to extend a special thank you to her daughter Katie, whose unwavering devotion and daily care brought comfort and dignity to Claudia during the final years of her life. Deepest gratitude also goes to the compassionate staff at Country House Memory Care Facility and to Moments Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Matthew's Catholic Church, or Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control-causes close to Claudia's generous heart.

Claudia will be remembered for her faith, her elegance, her strength, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her legacy of grace and joy lives on in all who knew her.