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Lonna May Nauman

Jun 2, 2026 | Obituaries

1955-2026

Lonna May Nauman, 71, of Panora, Iowa, passed away suddenly on May 28, 2026. She was born on May 7, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Irv and Marilyn Gerlich.

Lonna graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines and earned her business degree from the American Institute of Business in 1975. She began her career with the State of Iowa as a court reporter in February 1975 and served in this role for 42 years, working in courthouses across Iowa until her retirement in 2017. She was the youngest court reporter in her profession when she began and the longest-serving when she retired.

She married Kevin Nauman in 1979, and their son, Wyatt, was born in 1986. Lonna and Kevin shared a deep partnership, spending their time together outdoors, in their garden, and at Lake Rathbun, where they found joy in fishing and the quiet mornings and evenings they cherished. Over the years, their home was filled with the love of their dogs. At the time of her passing, Nellie and Suzy Creamcheese were her pride and joy. They brought comfort and companionship to Lonna and her family.

Lonna was known for her presence and devotion to family. She was a loving mother to Wyatt and a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews. She attended countless sports events, always offering encouragement and support to those she loved.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Nauman; her son, Wyatt Nauman; her siblings, Jay (Karen) Gerlich and Jule (Ted) Reynolds; and many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irv and Marilyn “Molly” Gerlich, and her sisters, Laura Lee Gerlich and Lynn Thornberry.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Twigg Funeral Home in Panora. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Graveside urn burial will follow at Brethren Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the following charities: