Lori McClenathan

Lori McClenathan, age 65, of Victor, died at her home under the care of her husband and Essence of Life Hospice on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Lori Ann Dukes was born the daughter of M. Lee and Dorothy (Procok) Dukes on June 18, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was raised in Cedar Rapids and Blairstown and graduated from Benton Community High School with the Class of 1979.

On May 22, 1982, Lori was united in marriage to Lynn McClenathan at the Victor United Methodist Church. They were blessed with two daughters, Stacy and Monica, and made their home south of Victor on the family farm. Lori enjoyed farm life, especially raising sheep and tending to her flower gardens.

Lori dedicated much of her working life to serving others in her community. She was the business manager at HLV Schools in Victor for 28 years and during that time had shared positions at BGM and Belle Plaine schools. She was a 25-year member of the Iowa Association of School Business Officials. She also worked as an insurance agent at Marengo State Bank for 18 years.

In her free time, Lori enjoyed shopping and attending county and state fairs to support her grandchildren showing their livestock. One of her greatest joys was attending her grandchildren’s athletic events and school activities at English Valleys, and she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. The English Valleys football teams named her co-captain for a game in 2025 for Hope for All. Lori also loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and enjoyed making birthdays special for those she loved.

Lori will be remembered for her loyalty, compassion, determination, fashion sense and unmistakable spunk. She was feisty and strong-willed, qualities that served her well throughout her three-year battle with cancer. She faced life’s challenges with courage and remained a fighter until the end.

Above all, Lori’s family was everything to her. She treasured the time spent with her daughters and especially adored her grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy and pride to her life. Fletcher, her dog, was a loyal and loved companion.

Lori is survived by her husband of 44 years, Lynn McClenathan of Victor; her mother, Dorothy Dukes of Cedar Rapids, IA; her daughter, Stacy (Steve) Axmear of North English, IA and their children, Kennedy, Kane and Kinnick; her daughter, Monica (Josh) Harden of Kalona, IA; and her brothers, Mark (Scotta) Dukes of Cedar Rapids and Craig (Kay) Dukes of Mountain Home, NC. She was preceded in death by her father, M. Lee Dukes.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor and will be live streamed at www.smithfh.com. Rev. Scott Lemaster, Pastor of St. Bridget Catholic Church of Victor, will preside. Interment will follow at Victor Memorial Cemetery.

Lori’s family will receive friends at the visitation from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Hope for All and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Lori’s family online at www.smithfh.com.