Irma Lucille (Chayka) Lorber

Irma Lucille Lorber Chayka 93, of New London, Iowa, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 5, 2025. 

She was born in Muscatine, Iowa, to Edward Bernard (Bernie) Chayka and Nella (Dyche) Chayka on January 12, 1932.  She was the 3rd of their 4 daughters, joining Alice (Robert Janney), Carol (Leon Morgenstern) and followed by Nella (Robert O’Brien).   

Irma spent her formative years in Muscatine and loved to share stories with her family such as living above the family grocery store on the corner of 9th  and Cypress St. and the long hilly trek to St. Mathias school and church where she slid down the very steep railing in front of the church. She greatly enjoyed singing in the church choir and loved her dance classes and piano lessons.   

Irma met her devoted husband of almost 74 years, Charles (Chuck), at school activities as teenagers. They were from rival Catholic schools; Irma at the Irish Catholic St. Mathias and Charles at German Catholic St. Mary. Irma’s favorite stories included Charles stopping in often after school at the ice cream store where she worked and wearing his letter sweater as she watched him play high school basketball.  After a two-year courtship, they were married May 13, 1951 at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Muscatine when Charles was on a very brief military leave.  Charles and Irma’s first home was in Seattle, Washington, until Charles was shipped overseas to Korea.  After Charles’ military service was completed, they lived in Iowa City as Charles completed his BA degree.  Upon graduation, Charles began a teaching career taking Irma and their growing family to many towns in Iowa, including Sioux City, Conesville, Nichols, Wilton, Union- Whitten, and New London in 1970.   

During this adventure, Irma provided support to Charles as he earned his master’s degree in education administration. He was the New London junior and senior high school Principal/AD for 25 years (and many years beyond as AD). Irma’s focus during the early part of their married life was caring for the family.  In the mid-60’s Irma enjoyed submitting articles to the Muscatine Journal chronicling local Wilton news. As the children began to leave home, she worked outside the home as a bookkeeper at MHI and Community Mental Health, ending her career in her 70’s as a bookkeeper at PSSI. Irma enjoyed the last 20 years of her life attending grandchildren’s events and relaxing in her favorite chair, being waited on by her devoted husband. Irma was an ardent cheerleader for her children and the teams/activities in which they participated.  Irma could most often be found keeping the scorebook next to the ball diamond, cheering on the teams in the gym from the 5th row of the visitor’s side to sit closely to Charles as he did his AD work, sweating at the indoor New London pool during her kid’s swim meets and bundled up at the New London football field watching games/meets and marching bands. Irma continued her ‘famdom’ traveling often with Charles to grand-kid’s events to provide her vocal support.  In their later years, Irma and Charles  were Hawkeye fans with season tickets to both football and men’s basketball.

Irma and Charles are the parents of seven children:  Paul (Kim) Lorber, New London; Mark (Chris) Lorber, Waukee; Brian (Ann) Lorber, Waukee, Marcia (Phil) Dickman, Burlington; Greg (Jane) Lorber, New London; Gretchen Lorber, Cedar Rapids; Sharon (Jamie Minnaert) Kleinow, West Branch.  Charles and Irma have also been blessed with 16 grand-children and 19 great-grandchildren. Preceding Irma in death are her parents, siblings and their spouses, daughter-in-law Leslie (Greg) Lorber, and son-in-law Robert (Sharon) Kleinow.     

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation will be Monday, March 10, from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM with family present 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Rosary is at 3:30 PM, at Elliott Chapel, New London, and all are welcome.

The Mass of Christian Burial is being held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on Tuesday, March 11 at 10:30 A.M. Father Ross Epping will officiate. Burial will be held at Burge Cemetery, New London.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church or in Irma’s name to a favorite charity or organization.  Due to sensitivities, greenery is preferred.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.