Funeral Livestream link: youtube.com/live/XVbWWjNo7QI
LeRoy (Roy) Harold Cakerice
Roy, 90 passed away in Ames, Iowa on July 7th. He was born in Hardin County on December 25th of 1933 at his grandparents' farmhouse to Carrie and Kenneth Cakerice. He was the eldest son of three boys. He attended country school in Grundy County, and junior and high school in Eldora. He participated in football, track, and choir. He then went on to study at Simpson College in 1952-1956 to receive a BA in Science and Education. In 1969, he received his master's degree in science and elementary principles at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri.
Roy met his spouse, Myrna Jean Williams, while detasseling. They got married in 1959 at the Church of Christ in Union, IA. They adopted two daughters, Denise in 1964, and Kristine in 1967. Their son, Troy, was born in 1972. They also fostered children in their home.
Roy was an 8th grade teacher at the Conrad School District. He was also a 6th grade teacher in the Grundy Center School District, and a 6th grade teacher at Roosevelt and Sawyer Elementary Schools in the Ames Community School District. He received the State of Iowa Teacher of the Year Award in Environmental Education. He wrote curriculum for environmental education for the Iowa State Extension Services. He was a life member of the National Teacher's Association and the Iowa Teacher's Association. After retiring from teaching in 1995, Roy continued working and was active in his community. He worked for two years in the Photopheresis section (DNA) Monsanto Laboratory. Roy was on the Ames Community School Board for 7 years. During his tenure he was involved with several significant capital projects, including the construction of the Ames Middle School. He supervised student teachers through Iowa State University in elementary education for 11 years. He also did federal math testing throughout the state and was a substitute teacher. Roy loved to give back to students. He donated pumpkins and toys to multiple schools. In addition, he would organize, collect and deliver clothing and books for the Indian Reservations in South Dakota. Roy enjoyed taking youth to Canada for educational fishing trips.
Roy and his family enjoyed the summers operating a farm including strawberries, sweet corn, and pumpkins in Wellsburg for more than 15 years. Roy was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking care of the flowers at his church. He loved spending time with family and took them on many trips to Hawaii and annual trips to Door County, Wisconsin for over 45 years where he was able to fish on Green Bay. Roy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa. He enjoyed singing in the choir and soloing for services.
Roy was preceded in the death by his parents, Kenneth and Carrie Cakerice; two brothers, Howard Cakerice and Jay Cakerice.
Roy is survived by his wife, Myrna Cakerice; his children, Denise Tjarks (Jon) of Lahaina, HI, Kristine Cakerice of Ames, IA, and Troy (Jennifer) Cakerice of Ames, IA; his grandchildren, Dustin (Alexandra) Cakerice, Ashlynn Cakerice (Andres), Kayla Cakerice, Cole Cakerice, and great-grandson Jace Mendoza.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 11th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at First United Methodist Church (516 Kellogg Ave., Ames) in the Multipurpose Room. Roy's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 12th at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church. Following the service there will be refreshments and a dessert bar. Private Interment will be later.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Sawyer Elementary or Northwood Pre-School.
Roy was loved by all. He had a positive impact in many people's lives. His selfless character shined through his acts of service. His passion for family, church, and community will be greatly missed.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
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Nancy McGee on Jul 12, 2024
I did not know Mr. Cakerice, but he must have been a wonderful father, based on his lovely daughter Denice. My condolences to all of the family. Nancy McGee
Terrie Thurm on Jul 12, 2024
Denise and Jon: so sorry to hear about your dad. We are sorry we could not be with you at this sad time. May your memories bring your comfort and God's promises give you peace. Hope to catch up soon.
Randy and Terrie
Cathy Dietz on Jul 9, 2024
Roy was an amazing teacher and colleague. His kindness and dedication to students and education were commendable. I enjoyed working with him and having his influence for my sons. They still remember him and talk fondly of him.
Karen Hoiberg on Jul 9, 2024
Roy always loved and cheered for his students! I was lucky enough to have seen Roy about a month ago and had really a great time talking to him. He was a great colleague, loved by students and will be missed by all.
Melinda Lowry on Jul 9, 2024
One of my first memories when we moved to Ames was how excited my children were to participate in Roy's after school science club at Sawyer Elementary. He will be remembered for all the pumpkins he delivered each year to our school, too. Rest well, Roy. You have served well.
Barb Van Slyke on Jul 9, 2024
Roy impacted so many lives as teacher, volunteer and friend. He was truly an example of how we should live our lives. He will be missed. Condolences to Myrna and family on this loss. 💕
Cathy Webb on Jul 9, 2024
Roy was an amazing man. Always an educator and loved kids and young adults. He tended faithfully our church gardens, sang in the choir and is greatly missed. He also was quick to offer sweetcorn in the summer. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.
Sue Severson on Jul 9, 2024
Roy was all about the children. I worked at Northwood Preschool for 12 years and Roy was a good friend to us. He provided pumpkins to all of the children in the fall. He decorated the outside of the school during the holidays and the spring. He was always there to donate and contribute to our little learners. Books were bought and recess items provided. His generous heart and kindness will be missed. RIP Mr. Roy.
Sue Severson
Susie Petra on Jul 8, 2024
With LeRoy's determined guidance, we assembled quite a feisty band of Carr Pool supporters, some years ago! I have fond memories of LeRoy and the work our group tried to do.
My heart hurts for the family.
But for an operation I'm scheduled forscheduled for that day, I would be at the service.
Susie Petra
