Memorial

Dr. Joan Belle Nickol M.D., also known as Mrs. Donald L. Tauke, 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at UnityPoint Hospice after a brief stay.       

Joan was born February 15, 1934, in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Melvin and Margaret (Kremer) Nickol.   Joan lost her father at the age of 6 and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Monticello until her mother re-married.  Joan then moved to Epworth, Iowa and graduated from Epworth High School in 1952, where she excelled in academics, athletics, and music.  Beginning in 7th grade she became the lead organist and music director at St. Patrick Catholic Church, a position she held until she left for college.   She attended the University of Iowa on a merit scholarship and subsequently earned her medical degree in 1958, as 1 of only 3 women in her graduating class of 130 doctors.    Joan completed her Ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas in San Antonio and interned at the Robert B. Green Hospital.   She met her loving husband, Donald “Don” Lawrence Tauke, at a dance while visiting family for Christmas in Iowa.  Upon completion of her residency, Joan married Don on July 28, 1962, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Epworth, Iowa.  They moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Joan started her private practice as an Ophthalmologist.  Joan was the first female surgeon in Cedar Rapids and was on staff at both Cedar Rapids hospitals.  She continued her busy medical practice for 32 years and retired in 1994.  

Joan was a member of the St. Matthew Catholic Parish in Cedar Rapids and a member of St. Monica’s circle, serving as Secretary for several years.   

Joan discovered a new passion in 1980 when she became a hot air balloon pilot.   She was an avid balloonist flying in Eastern Iowa for 34+ years until the age of 80.  Joan designed and flew 6 different balloons over the years, including the pink, yellow, purple, and white striped “Tinkerbelle” (named after Joan’s nick name in medical school) and “Puff the Magic Dragon”, a friendly green dragon with Priscilla the butterfly on his back.  Joan is credited with starting the annual Balloon Glow Festival that was previously held in Cedar Rapids at Brucemore during the Freedom Festival.  Joan and her crew participated in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (the largest balloon event in the world) for over 25 years.  Joan also published a quarterly newsletter titled “Aeronews” which contained ballooning news, photos, fun facts, jokes, games and contests for her extensive crew.       

In retirement, Joan had many interests.   First and foremost, she loved being “Grandmama” and spending time with her grandchildren.  Joan also liked to volunteer at the Catherine McAuley Center and as a docent for the Grant Wood Studio, both in Cedar Rapids.  She was an avid gardener and a member of the Home Garden Club.   She enjoyed her bible studies and writing classes.   Joan also became a world traveler, visiting all continents except for Antarctica, and even celebrated her 90th birthday this year in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands.   

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Dr. Jason (Marlyse) Tauke of Eastborough, Kansas and Kathy Tauke (Brad Loney) of Marion, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Denise (Jay) Rebel of Wichita, Kansas;  grandchildren, Nick, Alyssa, Alex, Liana, Gracie, Nora and Claire Tauke;  siblings Ronald (Susan) Mausser of Oelwein, Iowa, Barbara (Gerald) Feldmann of Epworth, Iowa, Bonnie Mausser (Andy Hollenback) of Epworth, Iowa;  brother-in-law Wayne (Louise) Tauke of Edgewood, Iowa;  sister-in laws Elaine Beall of Prairie Village, Kansas,  Rosemary Nickol of Dyersville, Iowa and Betty Mausser of Epworth, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Joan is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; step-father William Mausser, Sr.; brothers Marvin Nickol and William Mausser, Jr.; brothers-in-law Earl Beall and Gerry Schnieders; sisters-in-law Arlene Nickol and Gladys Schneiders.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Cedar Memorial.  Services for Joan will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2310 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids.  Rosary begins at 8:30 a.m.   Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00–10:30 a.m.  A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William Cosgrove presiding and Deacon Rich Wallace assisting.   Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately following the Mass.  A joint burial service for Joan and her husband Don, who passed away in 2017, will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Dyersville, Iowa, on what would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Joan’s honor to the Catherine McAuley Center at 1220-5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52403.  

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff at Grand Living at Indian Creek for the loving care given to Joan these past several months, and to UnityPoint Hospice for the comforting care they provided to Joan.    

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Timothy Sagers and his team, for the extensive guidance and support they have provided to the family, and for the compassionate care provided to Joan throughout the years.