Rose Alice "Rosie" Lockhart

Rose "Rosie" Alice Lockhart

Cedar Rapids

Rose "Rosie" Alice Lockhart, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with her loving nieces, Carrie and Holly, by her side.

Visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4–6 PM. Funeral services will take place at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1 PM, with Pastor Bonnie Koeppen of St. Mark's United Methodist Church presiding. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rosie was born in Rockwell, Iowa, to Parkie and Mary Walkner. She was raised in Marion and graduated from Marion High School. Later in life, she attended Mount Mercy College with her sister Jane. Rosie enjoyed a long and successful career in office administration, retiring from John Deere Health in 2005.

On September 30, 1961, Rosie married the love of her life, John Lockhart, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They shared 35 wonderful years of marriage before John's passing in 1996. Together they enjoyed traveling, attending car shows and swap meets with their restored cars, and most of all spending time with family. Rosie was a bright light-an amazing woman admired by many and often described as such a "neat" lady. She was the rock of the Walkner family, and she and John were the go-to aunt and uncle for advice and guidance for many nieces and nephews over the years.

Nearly 10 years ago, Rosie found love again when she was introduced to Virgil Dietz. Together they shared many joyful years attending car shows throughout the Midwest, along with club dinners and events with the Cedar Valley Street Rods. Through the club, she formed many cherished friendships.

Rosie is survived by her sister, Evelyn Carver; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Lazenby; foster brothers-in-law, Pat (Cheri) Stepanek and Doug Stepanek; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family and friends; and her loving companion, Virgil Dietz, and his family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Parkie and Mary Walkner; her beloved husband, John; her siblings George, Harry, and Margie Walkner, Dorothy (Harley) Lazenby, Jerry (Bernice) Walkner, Allen Walkner, Oliver (Mary Lou, Edna, and Lois) Walkner, and Jane (Curtis) Schantz; brother-in-law Russell Carver; foster in-law family Eldon (Dorthee) Stepanek, Joyce Stepanek, and Cody Stepanek; and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at MeadowView Memory Care for providing Rosie with a safe and caring home over the past 10 months. They also offer sincere gratitude to Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate support in her final months, helping ensure her comfort, dignity, and peace.

Rosie's goddaughter, Carrie, would also like to thank her husband Tracy, her mother Teresa, the Stepanek family, and the many cousins who supported her throughout Rosie's journey. Your guidance and encouragement meant more than words can express.

Rosie's love, wisdom, and steady presence will live on in the hearts of the family and friends who cherished her.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.