Lori Ann (Fishler) Gearhart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lori Ann (Fishler) Gearhart, age 65, of Edgewood, Iowa. Lori passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after a hard-fought three-year battle with cancer. Her husband was lovingly by her side, holding her hand. 

Lori was born on May 8, 1960, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, to Ronald and Darla Fishler. The family later moved to Edgewood, Iowa. It was here Lori would graduate and call home for the rest of her life. 

She married Dennis Chapman and four children were born to this union. The couple later divorced. On June 28, 1996, Lori was united in marriage to Terry Gearhart. Lori gained more than a husband, he was her confidant, biggest advocate, and safe place. She always called him, “my favorite”. Her family and heart grew in size.

Lori’s life led her in various directions. She happily waitressed at The Strand Café in Edgewood for several years, lovingly opened her home for 27 years to many local children while running an in-home daycare, and proudly served as a Girl Scout and 4-H leader. Her most favorite path was being gifted the opportunity to care for her grandson, Aidan, the most amazing young man. He was her trusty sidekick until his passing on June 18, 2025.

Those who knew her will remember her fondly for caring for others in a variety of ways. Over the years, you could find her making her cherished communities better by planting flowers, teaching life lessons, delivering meals, and baking cookies for all. She could also be found making delicious meals for family and friends, sewing creations for Mr. Smiley’s, spreading comfort through donating pajamas for kids in the hospital, and designing baskets for various local fundraisers. She simply enjoyed helping others and had many special ways of bringing smiles to many. A treasured family pastime was camping at Deer Run Resort in Elkader, where her camping friends became family over the years.

Lori will certainly be remembered for her smile, her kindness to everyone she met, her attentive and listening ear, and her selfless personality. 

Left to treasure the wonderful memories, while mourning their great loss, are her husband Terry; children, Travis Chapman, Tami Chapman, Kasi Chapman, and Kayli (Trenton) Kelchen; bonus children, Carrie (Andrew) Siefer, Jason (Kayela) Gearhart, and Amy (Aaron Hegtvedt) Gearhart Jordan; many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her father Ron Fishler; her brother, Lonny (Elizabeth) Fishler; her sister of the heart, Sandra (Lyle) Chapman; her mother-in-law, Barbara Gearhart; her brothers-and sisters -in-law, Deb (John) Lower, Dan (Vicky) Gearhart, and Nancy (Elliot) Winch; her beloved animals, Dr. Mary, Dr. Peter, and Lauren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lori was reunited in heaven with her grandson, Aidan Bailey; her mother, Darla Fishler; and her father-in-law, David Gearhart.

The family has endless gratitude and love for St. Louis Hospital, Regional Medical Center in Manchester, and St. Croix Hospice.
 

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