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Hart, Laura Katherine

Laura Katherine Hart, 81, of Iowa City, IA passed peacefully on April 1, 2020 of Acute Leukemia surrounded by loved ones and dedicated medical staff at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City IA.

She was born on December 13, 1938 in Waupaca, WI to Edward John and Verna Hart and spent her childhood in Waupaca, WI with six siblings.

She is survived by: Jane (Bernard) Curvey, Taylorville, IL; Sr Ann Mary, Yuma, AZ; Susan Jolin, Waupaca, WI; John (Caroyl), Waupaca WI; Dennis, Dearfield, WI; Kathleen (Randy) Graham, Afton, MN, and 16 nieces and nephews, 19 greatnieces and nephews and longtime friend, Dianna Sprague.

She earned her BSN at the College of St Teresa in 1960. She went on to get an MEd in nursing at the University of MN in 1962, a PhD in Educational Psychology in 1971 at the University of Iowa, and a MA in Nursing in 1972 at the University of Iowa. Laura became an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Iowa in 1963, and received the Kelting Endowment Chair in 1977-1980. She retired in 2001 as professor emeritus. Laura published numerous nursing articles and research studies over her career. Her recent focus and research was integrating complementary therapies into nursing practice. She coauthored many books and texts including the current Healing Touch textbook. She was a Charter member of Healing Beyond Borders and served on several boards, taught classes and mentored many. She and her friend, colleague, and business partner Mildred (Millie) Freel used their skills in Healing Touch and other healing therapies for a Holistic Nursing Practice out of their home for over 30 years. They also owned a small Iowa farm and kept a big garden, sold asparagus and had a U-pick strawberry business during the summers when not teaching at the College of Nursing. Laura mastered running the tractors and chainsaws on their farm. Laura touched many people’s hearts with her eclectic holistic healing style, and life advice. She will be remembered by many for her hard work ethic, her generosity and her selfless service to others.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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