Claudia J. Kaestner

Claudia J. Kaestner, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Waterloo and Conrad, died June 9, 2021.

She was born August 24,1940 in Eldora, to Claude A. and Joyce Darner Aiken. She graduated from Conrad High School in 1958, later from Allen School of Nursing in 1961.

She married Larry L. Kaestner September 10, 1961 in Waterloo.

Claudia worked as a Registered Nurse in Allen Memorial Hospital’s Mental Health unit for 43 years, retiring in 2008.

She enjoyed playing Bridge, reading, and traveling internationally with her friends - some highlights including Spain, France, England, and ziplining in Alaska at age 75.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; son, Doug (Theresa) Kaestner, Marion; two daughters, Shelly Kaestner, W. Des Moines and Amy Burger of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida; six grandchildren: Amanda, Andy, Megan, Jadon, Jacob and Sydney; great-grandchild, Foster; and a brother, Michael (Robyn) Aiken, Marshalltown.

Memorial Services 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 19, at Locke Funeral Home, 1519 West 4^th St., Waterloo. The family will greet friends for one hour before the service. Visit www.LockeFuneralHome.com for more.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Claudia may be directed to NAMI Black Hawk County. They are a mental health organization carrying on Claudia’s life work of providing advocacy, education, and support for people with mental illness, and their loved ones. Checks to “NAMI Black Hawk County” with Claudia’s name in the memo section can be mailed to: Barbara Leistad, 2704 Saratoga Drive, Waterloo IA 50702 or donate to Cedar Valley Hospice who was instrumental in supporting Claudia and her family as she succumbed to her illness. https://www.cvhospice.org/get-involved/donate