Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dwayne Eilers Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
He was born Feb. 24, 1942, in Iowa City, Iowa, son of Rudolph Joseph and Marie Marguerite "Anna" Beliveau Eilers. He married Karen Baethke on Oct. 16, 1998, in Las Vegas with a reception at the Eagles Club in Waterloo.
Up until his diagnosis, Dwayne owned and rented commercial and residential properties in Iowa and Minnesota while owning ABC Appliance for 13 years, and previously owned Duee's Pawn in Waterloo and Evansdale for more than 30 years. He had been an active member of the Air Force from 1959-1963 and in reserves from 1963-1965, stationed in both Greenland and Tucson, Arizona. His favorite pastimes included old western shows, hunting, fishing, and playing cards at the Isle Casino.
Survived by: his wife Karen; sons Dwayne (Tanya Clayberg) of Cedar Falls, Christopher of Waterloo, Jonathan (Kristin) Swarts of Waterloo; step-son, Kyle Baethke of Wadena; two daughters, Michele (Jay) Phillips of Davenport, Jennifer (Greg) Svoboda of Vinton; eight grandchildren Tyler Phillips, Julie & Hailey Swarts, Ethan Harper, Kayla Baethke, Emersyn, Gregory III and William Svoboda; three brothers, Douglas of Calif., Gary (Arlene) of Waterloo, Rudolph (Sandra) of Raymond; two sisters-in-law Christiana of Panama City, FL and Katherine of Houston, MO; mother-in-law Donna Baethke of Waterloo; two sisters-in-law; Lori (Jeff) Gerbasi of Golden Valley, AR and Judy Smith of Durham, NC; a brother-in-law Edwin (Sue) Baethke of Waterloo, IA.
Preceded in death by: his parents, Rudolph and Anna; six brothers, LeRoy (Cheryl), Dale, Ernest (Mary), Irvin (Muriel), Percy (Pauline), Orval and two sister, Marlys (Lloyd) Eilers Pettigrew and Gladys Mae (infancy); and father-in-law Wilfred (Delores) Baethke.
Services: A visitation for family and friends will be this Saturday, March 22, at the Isle Casino & Hotel, Waterloo between 12:00-2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held later this spring at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Raymond.
Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Brian Williams
March 21, 2025
Been an honor knowing you
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kevin E. Baker
March 20, 2025
Was a pleasure (most of the time) to deal to Dwayne at the casino. Any time I could crack a joke and get a smile or laugh out of him, made my night. I'm sure everyone will miss hearing that "how ya doin' Lucky". It'll forever echo in the halls of the Isle
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Make a Donation
in Dwayne Eilers's name
People and places connected with Dwayne
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Dwayne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dwayne Eilers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
