Cheryl Jeanne Corcoran

Cheryl Jeanne Corcoran, 67, of Urbandale, transitioned to her home in heaven on Saturday, October 19, 2024, following a courageous battle against cancer. Cheryl was born April 26, 1957, to Richard and Eileen Corcoran of Fairbank, Iowa. She graduated from Sumner High School in Sumner, Iowa, in 1975 and then attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa, earning an accounting certificate in 1976. The highlight of her career was one in logistics for Larson Doors in Albert Lea, Minnesota where she worked nearly 23 years before retiring earlier in 2024.  Cheryl was well known in North Central Iowa for her extraordinary seamstress skills, making countless poodle skirts over the years to be enjoyed at Buddy Holly dances at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, and all kinds of creations from Crown Royal bags. Her sewing room had a continuous stream of unique projects for people from all over the area. Cheryl was a faithful friend and she considered the regulars at “the V” in Clear Lake her family. Cheryl never knew a stranger and would give first, ask questions second.

Cheryl is survived by her significant other, Tom Dempsey (Mason City); daughter, Kristie (Rob) Doebel (Arlington, Texas) and grandsons Brennen (Arlington, Texas) and Braxton (Waterloo); and son, Mike (Robin) Lenhart (Mason City) and granddaughter Hannah and grandson Aaron; six siblings, Beth Wilson, Steve (Marcella) Corcoran, Mary Ann (Gerald) Decker, Carol Healy, Donna Jacobson, and Janeen (Darrin) Siefken.  She is now at peace in heaven with her parents Richard and Eileen; maternal grandparents Norman and Mary Frances (Peg) Robinson; and paternal grandparents Lawrence and Helen Corcoran all of whom were from Fairbank, Iowa. She is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her celebration of the living was held June 16, 2024. She enjoyed seeing many friends and relatives that day from all walks of her life, as well as serving them her special menu, notably Rice Krispie Squares and ham salad sandwiches. The family would like to thank those who attended that celebration to make it so special for Cheryl - it was a shining star in her courageous battle.

The family also thanks those who made regular visits to see her at Karen Acres Healthcare Center, and the caregivers at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Suncrest Hospice, and Karen Acres Healthcare Center in Urbandale, Iowa. Services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Caldwell-Parish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa. Visitation will commence at 11 a.m. CT with Cheryl’s service at noon. A private burial service will be held at a later date at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Fairbank, Iowa.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Suncrest Hospice “Days of Caring” or to the United Methodist or Galilean churches in Clear Lake, Iowa designated for the IFCA fund which provides community dinners and to families in need of assistance in the Clear Lake community.