Terri Kae Svestka

Theresa “Terri” Kae Svestka, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and woman of unwavering faith, passed peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 78. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 4th, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. A Private Inurnment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Terri was born on August 16, 1947, in Granite City, Illinois, to Earl and Dorothy (Crafton) Cooley, Sr, and lived a life defined by love and resilience. She married the love of her life, Dennis Svestka, beginning a 60-year journey of marriage built on commitment, sacrifice, and enduring devotion. Though Dennis preceded her in death in May of 2025, Terri carried his memory in her heart every day and are now reunited in Heaven.

Terri worked at Square D, Osco Drug, and Hy-Vee Drugstore, where she met several lifelong friends, before retiring in 2018. She loved getting lost in a good book, traveling- especially to the beach- and making memories with her family on vacations together. She also enjoyed gambling, fishing, and never missed a chance to watch Caitlin Clark play.

Above all, Terri was a woman of strong and unshakable faith and kindness as a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. She loved the Lord with all her heart and leaned on her Savior, Jesus Christ, through every season of life—including her final battle. Even in the face of illness, she remained a fighter, drawing strength from her faith and inspiring those around her with her courage, grace, and quiet strength. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her family finds peace in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that she is now healed, whole, and in the presence of her Savior.

Terri’s legacy lives on through her loving children: Cheri Svestka, Greg (Brenda) Svestka, and Steven (Maya) Svestka. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Kayte Benhart, Alyssa Hartwig, Samantha Svestka, Nathan Svestka, and Hudson Svestka. Her joy multiplied even further with her three great-grandsons, Mateo, Eli, and Silas Benhart, who brought light and laughter into her life. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Deborah Cooley, whose bond with Terri was one of deep love, laughter, and lifelong companionship. She leaves behind her fur-babies, Davey and Max.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Svestka; her parents; her brothers, Earl Cooley and Darrell “Randy” Cooley; and her infant son, Denny Svestka.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be in care of Cheri Svestka.