Camp Courageous is saddened by the recent passing of Cecilia Hatcher, 87, of Anamosa, Iowa. Cecilia was a dear friend of Camp Courageous, as was her beloved husband, Jon, who preceded her in death in 2016. Cecilia also shared a special friendship with Camp Courageous Board Member Winnie Williams, who preceded her in death in 2021.

Cecilia was 100% Anamosian and 100% a friend of Camp Courageous!

The accompanying photo captures a special moment when Cecilia donated her late husband Jon’s truck to Camp Courageous. Jon and Cecilia were a wonderful couple who did nearly everything together. Jon often delivered donations to camp in his white truck, and both were always there to lend a hand whenever help was needed.

One of Jon’s favorite sayings has stayed with us through the years:

“Every day is a good day… Some are just better than others.” — Jon Hatcher

Cecilia’s love of antiques led her to establish Antiques of Anamosa, which she happily operated for more than 30 years. She loved the thrill of the hunt and, just as much, the many wonderful people she met along the way.

Through years of hard work and dedication, Cecilia and Jon also organized the Annual Anamosa Antique Show, an event that attracted thousands of visitors. As the years passed, Jon faced health challenges and eventually passed away in 2016. Cecilia made the generous decision to give the event to Camp Courageous. For several years, Camp’s Nursing Director, Sharon Roller, coordinated the show under Cecilia’s guidance. Her generosity helped ensure this beloved community tradition could continue while benefiting Camp Courageous.

Cecilia and Jon shared a lifetime of service to their community. Both were instrumental in the Grant Wood Gallery and the Grant Wood Art Festival throughout its entire duration. Cecilia also served as a Camp Fire leader, was involved with the Anamosa Hospital Auxiliary Board, the Pumpkinfest Committee, and served as an officer of the Cornelian Club. She volunteered with the Anamosa Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, was instrumental in raising funds for Jones Regional Hospital, and so much more.  Those are just some of the many committees, projects, and causes to which Cecilia gave her time, resources, and energy. She and Jon believed in serving others simply because it was the right thing to do—not for recognition or accolades. Their lives reflected a genuine commitment to making their community a better place.

Cecilia also stood faithfully beside Jon through two battles with cancer, beginning in 1994 and again in 1996. The second battle required a bone marrow transplant. During that difficult time, Cecilia spent more than 90 consecutive days with Jon at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, helping him through his recovery.  On their 36th wedding anniversary, they received the wonderful news that the transplant was working! They were blessed with another 20 years together before Jon’s passing in 2016. Their love, commitment, and devotion to one another were truly special.

Camp Courageous extends its heartfelt sympathy to Cecilia and Jon’s four children: Sharon (Greg) Kaczmarek, Tom (Tina) Hatcher, Dave (Lesley Jernigan) Hatcher, and Mary (Dave) Martensen, and their seven grandchildren.

Cecilia and Jon leave behind a legacy that reaches far beyond their family. It lives on in the countless people they helped, the traditions they built, the community they loved, and the many ways they supported Camp Courageous.

We are grateful for their friendship, their generosity, and the countless ways they made a difference.

And as Jon would remind us, every day is a good day… some are just better than others…

— Charlie Becker