Lana Knickerbocker

Lana Knickerbocker, age 61, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 10, 2025, in the home of her loving parents and surrounded by her family.

A visitation for Lana’s family and friends will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. And a celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Hall in Marshalltown from 6-8 p.m. Lana would love for memorials to made out to the family who will then make one large donation to the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Lana Lee Knickerbocker was born June 19, 1964, in Carroll, Iowa. She was the daughter of Buryle and Mary Helen (Van Dusen) Knickerbocker. At an early age, Lana moved with her family to Marshalltown and graduated from Marshalltown High School with the Class of 1982.

Following high school, Lana moved to Round Rock, Texas, where she gave birth to her daughter, Taylor. She later returned to Marshalltown and attended Marshalltown Community College earning her dental assistant certification in June 1991. Upon completion of her studies, she worked for Dr. Mark Macke Oral Surgeons until 1999, when she left to pursue a degree as a licensed practical nurse from Iowa Valley Community College. After receiving her LPN from the State of Iowa Board of Nursing, Lana accepted a position with Newton Health Care in Newton, Iowa. The elderly patients, who benefited from Lana’s jovial charms and caring manner, often requested her personally. Lana was known throughout her career by her coworkers as the nurse who could gain the cooperation of even the most cantankerous of patients. Lana accepted a position from Susanne Landgrebe at Urgent Care in Newton in 2003 and remained working for Landgrebe for the next 15 years through transitions to Colfax Health Services and then to Susanne Landgrebe, ARNP. Lana also worked at the Iowa Veterans Home where she would eventually retire due to her health.

Lana’s example of courage in the face of incessant illness has been and will continue to be an inspiration to others. Her ability to find humor and happiness in the bleakest of circumstances and to always maintain a selfless, compassionate spirit toward others will remain her legacy for those she leaves behind. Lana was the fiercest friend, cultivating a loyal tribe of besties, who’ve known and cared for one another since grade school. She adored being a mother and a grandmother and was her grandson’s greatest advocate. Lana also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs and cats. She was known to leave butter lettuce and carrots to feed the wild rabbits in her yard. She made frequent trips to Riverside Cemetery to feed the geese. She knew all their names and if they didn’t have one, she was certain to give them one. Throughout her life, even in the toughest of times, Lana was sure to make you laugh.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Taylor (Josh) Bear; her grandson, Axel Bear; siblings, Mary Lynn Knickerbocker, Steve (Kathy) Knickerbocker, Clark (Carol) Knickerbocker and Ann (Ed) Seuferer. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Knickerbocker (Annabelle and Scarlet), Andrew Knickerbocker and Sydney Seuferer; her aunt, Marge Perrinjaquet; numerous cousins; and a fierce tribe of friends whom she considered like family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Buryle and Mary Knickerbocker; grandparents, William and Bertha Van Dusen and Floyd and Verna Knickerbocker; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.