Cecilia R. Laake

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Cecilia Laake, 78, of Davenport, will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, November 17, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, and from 9 a.m. until time of Mass on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Ms. Laake passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. She was surrounded by family, including her four sons.

Cecilia Regina Yoke was born July 3, 1947, in Davenport, to Ross and Regina (Duffy) Yoke. She graduated from Assumption High School, class of 1965. She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Laake on September 14, 1968, at St. Alphonsus in Davenport.

Cecilia’s greatest joy was being a mom to her four boys. She loved nothing more than listening to them share memories, bicker playfully, and retell stories of growing up. They filled her heart and her home with love and laughter.

Her grandchildren brought her endless happiness. She loved watching their activities, always cheering them on with pride. At home, she welcomed them with open arms, ready to bake, play games, take walks, sing along to her favorite music, or simply enjoy being together. She was happiest when her home was full, especially around the holidays. No matter how late anyone arrived, there was always soup waiting on the stove and warmth waiting at the door.

She loved her siblings dearly and cherished traveling with them. Countless hours were spent playing cards, laughing until tears came, and sharing stories that stitched their bond even tighter. She also found joy caring for many plants, shrubs, and flowers in her garden and beautiful backyard. She enjoyed watching the birds and deer enjoying her green thumb too. Her spoiled dogs were her constant companion. She was blessed with many lifelong friends, and they were equally blessed with her kindness and joy.

Cecilia’s devotion to God and her Catholic faith was her greatest strength. She never complained, even in the hardest moments. Her strength was quiet, steady, and deeply felt.

Cecilia will be remembered for her laughter, her nurturing spirit, and the deep, unwavering love she gave and received from her sons, family and all who knew her.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons Jason (Laura) Laake of Kansas City, MO, Curtis Laake (girlfriend Vilay) of Carroll, IA, Aaron (Trisha) Laake of Sioux Falls, SD, Tim (Heather) Laake of Huxley, IA; seven grandchildren Rachel, Calvin, Jacob, Nile, Adeline, Margaret and Glenn; siblings Jean Maher of Grand Mound, Alice Ellison of Bettendorf, John Robert (Gloria) Yoke, and Gloria (Al) Longmire, all of Davenport; and sister in law Chris Yoke of Park View.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Raymond and Joe, and brothers in law Leo Maher and Jim Ellsion.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.