Memorial

Sara L. (Severa) Tack, 65, passed away 11/30/2025 at The Bird House – Hospice Home of Johnson County in Iowa City, IA with her family and her chocolate lab, Gracey Mae, at her side. 

Sara was born January 14, 1960, the daughter of Joseph J. and Elaine (Bierbach) Severa of Cedar Rapids. Sara graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids in 1978 and then studied business administration and management at the University of Iowa.

She was married to Duane Tack at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Iowa City November 11, 1989.  Their sons reside in Montana, Josh (Sara Raz) Tack in Missoula and Jason (Kristen) Tack and their son Sawyer Tack in Florence.

She worked for several firms in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area for more than 20 years early in her career – Loomis Brothers, Selzer-Werderitsch & Associates, and Miron Construction.  In 2011 Sara continued her career with Modern Companies, beginning as an office manager and then Special Projects Chief of Staff.  She retired earlier this year. While working full time, Sara also found time to teach fitness classes at North Dodge Athletic Club - Aerobics, Body Pump, Spinning Classes to name a few.  Through these classes she developed many lifelong friendships with classmates and fellow instructors.  

Professionally, Sara was a member of the US Green Building Council, a company representative to the Association of General Contractors and the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce.  She was also a member of the Johnson County Board of Review for five years.  She volunteered for many causes, most notably the United Way and American Heart Association in Johnson County.  

Sara was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Elaine Severa, brother Tim Severa, sister Mary Smalley, brother-in-law Mike Zimmers, brother-in-law Dave Martin, father-in-law Harold Tack and mother-in-law Lucille Tack.  She is survived by sisters Nancy Severa Zimmers of Springfield, IL, Sidney (Larry) Lutz of Swisher and Stacy Martin of Cedar Rapids, brothers-in-law Dennis (Carol) Tack of Decorah, Iowa and Jerry (Glenna) Tack of Osceola, Wisconsin, and husband Duane Tack of Swisher.

The family wishes to thank the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the Visiting Nurse Association, Iowa City Hospice and The Bird House for the care that Sara received this past year. 

In lieu of flowers consider a memorial contribution to one of these organizations or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Cedar Rapids.

Rest in Peace, beautiful Sara.

Sara Quotes:
‘If my dog can’t come, I’m not going”
“Dogs Welcome, Humans tolerated”