Eileen Marie Gerth, born Eileen Marie Schutte, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital after a 13-year-long, courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water Street, Decorah, Iowa, with Deacon Nick Francios presiding. Burial will follow at St. Benedict Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at Helms Funeral Home. Rosary will start at 8:45 a.m.

Eileen requested all family and friends attending her memorial to honor her love for 80's rock music and wear a favorite rock band t-shirt.

Eileen was born on September 16, 1971, in Decorah, Iowa.

A 1990 graduate of Decorah High School, Eileen built a life marked by heart, energy, and devotion to the people she loved. She worked the majority of her life as a daycare provider, a role that fit her caring nature so well. She was deeply proud of being a mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, and “Ms. Eileen” to the children in her care. Raising her two greatest blessings, Jake and Hannah, helped shape the warmth and strength she brought to her work each day, and she truly loved what she did.

Eileen was spunky, loving, and full of personality. In her younger years, she kept her mother, Joyce, on her toes with her fearless teenage adventures. As an adult, she carried that same bright and colorful nature with her, always speaking her mind, standing by those closest to her, and bringing life wherever she went.

She found joy in the simple and memorable moments that made life rich. Eileen loved cooking for the people she cared about, creating homemade wreaths and floral arrangements, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed listening to 80’s metal, 90’s grunge, Prince, and even the occasional hip-hop song for a twist. She could often be found watching movies from her endless collection, enjoying an episode of Seinfeld, cheering for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., and talking about muscle cars—especially anything Mopar. She was never one to pass up a trip down the ribbon aisle at Hobby Lobby, a chance to step on the gas pedal, or a car ride with her beloved Dachshund, Buddy. She was full of life and always ready to have fun.

Among her happiest memories were Saturday morning coffee and Hobby Lobby runs with her daughter, Hannah, long phone conversations that could stretch on for hours, racing events with her son, Jake or with friends, and the many concerts she attended through the years. One especially treasured memory was attending a concert with her favorite band, Metallica, at the Iowa Speedway with her daughter, or seeing one of her favorites, Rob Zombie, in Des Moines with her children. Eileen cherished time with family and friends above all else, and those who knew her will remember the laughter, the conversations, and the unmistakable spark she brought to every gathering.

Eileen was especially proud of the life she built through hard work and determination. Whether she was sharing her crafts at her own booth at PumpkinFest in Anamosa, enjoying a ride in the 1994 red Chevy Camaro Z28 she and Mike once owned, or driving in her current 2012 Dodge Charger, she embraced life with enthusiasm at every turn. Yet of all the roles she held, the one she cherished most was Grandma Eileen. When her first grandchildren, Rose and Henry, came into her life, she knew she was meant for that role. In 2025, the arrival of her grandson Levi made her heart even fuller. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless.

She is survived by her son, Jake Gerth; daughter, Hannah (Zachary) Lovell; her mother, Joyce Schutte; ex-husband & friend, Mike Gerth; stepdaughter, Christa (Alex) Steffens, and their children, Rose & Henry. She is further survived by her grandson Levi Lovell, a blessing she held especially close. Eileen’s love for her family was steady and generous, and that love will remain with them always.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Schutte; her maternal grandparents, Wilmer and Marcella Lukes; her aunt, Mary Lukes; and her sister-in-law, Patti Wolfe.

Eileen will be remembered for her bold, Czech spirit, her fierce love for her family, her sense of fun, and the way she made ordinary moments feel special. Her memory will live on in every shared laugh, every long conversation, every song turned up loud, and every mile taken with joy.

A special thanks to all that were involved in Eileen's care over the years, with a notable thank you to Dr. Goodheart of the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics who was her oncologist over the course of her entire cancer treatment.