Longtime Cedar Rapids Resident Jean Vaerk Dies at 93

Vaerk was an active member of Trinity St. James United Methodist Church and enjoyed gardening, baking, and playing bingo in retirement.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:18am

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Jean Vaerk, a longtime resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on March 15, 2026 at the age of 93. Vaerk had a long career in human resources at Target before retiring in 1996. She was an active member of Trinity St. James United Methodist Church and enjoyed hobbies like gardening, baking cookies, and playing bingo during her retirement years.

Why it matters

Vaerk's passing marks the end of an era for a dedicated community member who was involved in her local church and embraced an active lifestyle in her later years. Her story reflects the experiences of many retirees in the Cedar Rapids area who find fulfillment through volunteerism, hobbies, and spending time with family.

The details

Vaerk was born on June 7, 1932 to Fred and Nellie Kness. She was the sixth of eleven children and graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids. Vaerk was previously married to Richard McIntyre, with whom she had a daughter named Kristene in 1949. In 1974, she married Lembit Vaerk in Rock Island, Illinois, and they shared many happy years together until his passing in 2006.

  • Vaerk passed away on March 15, 2026.
  • A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

The players

Jean Vaerk

A longtime resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa who worked in human resources at Target before retiring in 1996. She was an active member of Trinity St. James United Methodist Church and enjoyed hobbies like gardening, baking, and playing bingo.

Kristene Rosel

Vaerk's daughter.

Lembit Vaerk

Vaerk's second husband, whom she married in 1974 and shared many happy years with until his passing in 2006.

Richard McIntyre

Vaerk's first husband, with whom she had her daughter Kristene in 1949.

Trinity St. James United Methodist Church

The church where Vaerk was a long-time active member and parishioner.

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The takeaway

Vaerk's life story highlights the importance of community involvement, family, and an active retirement for seniors in the Cedar Rapids area. Her dedication to her local church and pursuit of hobbies like gardening and baking set an inspiring example for others in her community.