International Association of Jewish
Genealogical Societies - Cemetery Project
IOWA
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Iowa Jewish Historical Society
910 Polk Boulevard
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 277-6321
Email: jcrc@jon.cjfny.org
SYNAGOGUES IN IOWA:
http://jewish.com/page.php?do=page&cat_id=123 [2004]
Rabbi Jeffrey R. Portman of Agudas Achim Congregation, 602 East Washington, Iowa City, Iowa 52250 supplied the information listed below unless otherwise specified.
THE CEMETERIES
AMES:
- Ames Municipal Cemetery: Mount Sinai Section
BURLINGTON County: See Des Moines
- Burlington Jewish Cemetery, County: Des Moines: State/County PIPS Code 19057, Topographic Map Name: West Burlington; Map Reference Code 41091-G2; Geographic Coordinates: 40º5'1N09º10'W; Biblio. Ref. Code: IA-T9/p45. Source: National Geographic Names database submitted by Herbert Unger (deceased).
CEDAR RAPIDS:
The Jewish community in Cedar Rapids numbers about 175 families with one Reform Temple. Contact people: Rabbi Ed Chesman, Temple Judah, Lindsay Lane SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 (319-362-1261). Most Jewish burials were handled by Turner Funeral Homes, 800 2nd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403, USA. (319-362-1131). Obituaries should be in the files of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, which is on microfilm at the public library. Sources: Jim Yarin yarin@rcn.com and Davida Noyek Handler DNHIowa@aol.com
- Eben Israel Cemetery: {10142} Hawthorn Drive, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; SW Cedar Rapids. The cemetery, used by Temple Beth Jacob and Temple Judah since 25 May 1896, has 290 all-Jewish interments as of 1/1995. Directions: Go south on "C" St. to Hawthorn Drive and turn right. The cemetery is on the left, just beyond the Czech National Cemetery entrance. A flag pole base says: "In loving memory of Max Ohsman, an Eben Israel Cemetery Founder. 25 May 1896. A Director, Officer and Trustee 1896 - 1946. Louis Ohsman, Eben Israel Cemetery President, 1945 - 1960. Dedicated 26 September 1961." A history was scheduled for publication in 1996. Records were held by Edward Padzensky in 1998. Surveyed and compiled by Linn County Heritage Society. Reorganized for database by Jim Yarin yarin@rcn.com
CENTERVILLE: (Vermillion Township, Appanoose County)
- Hebrew Cemetery: {10975}. The original burial data was gathered by the Appanoose County Genealogical Society in the early 1980's. On November 1990, W. M. Heusinkveld walked the cemetery again to make corrections and note additions. The cemetery is located in the northwest corner of Sect. 30, T69N, R17W. To get there, go north on Highway No. 5 in Centerville until it begins to curve to the east. Jog west 1/2 block at Tiki Marine and go north on 18th St. to the end of the street. The fenced cemetery is on the right, as proclaimed by the large wrought iron sign stating "Hebrew Cemetery - In Memoriam -1961 Rose Ritchell 1919". The deed for a single acre from Alfred Coatney to Bana Israel is dated May 7 1892. The site, now only about 75 feet square, is on a steep slope with many fine stones in a well-shaded and peaceful area. The cemetery was started in 1892. source: Laurel & Arnold Sigel, 7654 East Quill Lane Scottsdale, AZ 89255; e-mail: sigelazc@aol.com
COUNCIL BLUFFS: (See Omaha, Nebraska)
- Oak Hills Cemetery, Jewish section: off Pierce St in Council Bluffs.
DAVENPORT: (Scott County)
The 1919 Jewish population was 600 according to Alan Hirschfeld and "Directory of Jewish Local Organizations in the United States", pp. 330-583 in American Jewish Year Book 5680 September 25,1919 to Sept. 12, 1920; volume 21, edited by Harry Schneiderman for the American Jewish Committee.
- Mt. Nebo Cemetery: Founded 1861, the cemetery is used by B'nai Emeth Congregation and Temple Emanu El, Contact: Rabbi Henry Karp, 1115 Mississippi Ave. Davenport, IA 52803, (319-326-4419)
[Tri-City Jewish Cemetery, County: Scott: State/County PIPS Code 19163, Topographic Map Name: Davenport West; Map Reference Code 41090-E6; Geographic Coordinates: 41º30' N 09º03'W; Elevation 620; Record Entry Date: 9206; Biblio. Ref. Code: US-T128/MCMC Source: National Geographic Names database submitted by Herbert Unger (deceased)]
DES MOINES:
Source: stacy.harris@nashville.com
- Children of Israel: {10004} Synagogue by the same name organized 1 May 1876 in east Des Moines and soon after established its cemetery at the intersection of Delaware and Easton. Although burials were made into the 1960's, but general use ceased during the 1930's because space was limited. Today the cemetery, although maintained, is inactive and generally locked. Many of the synagogue founders are buried here. Margaret Foster of Des Moines obtained permission to enter the cemetery and copy the tombstone inscriptions for Hawkeye Heritage. She was not, however, able to translate the Hebrew inscriptions that appear on many of the stones. Children of Israel Cemetery burials and burials in Jewish Glendale are not included in the Park Department's computer printout. (Source: "Hawkeye Heritage"/ Summer 1983). The synagogue is located at 1338 9th Street in Des Moines. Burial information in regard to its members may be obtained from the synagogue. (515) 288-8335.
Children of Israel Cemetery Book, as culled by Shirley Blasberg, secretary to Rabbi Neil Sanders at Tifereth Israel Synagogue (515) 255-1138. There have been no burials there for many years. Ms. Blasberg indicates that "the cemetery is really old and many of the tombstones are just in Hebrew and many have crumbled because of age." [September 2000]
- Emanuel Jewish Cemetery: Established 21 Jan 1871, the site is adjacent to the northwest corner of Woodland Cemetery at Woodland and Harding, just northwest of downtown Des Moines. Burials are recorded, with most Des Moines city burials, in a computer printout prepared by the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department and available at the IGS library. When Children of Israel Synagogue members stopped using Children of Israel Cemetery, they joined Beth El Jacob (954 Cummins Parkway, Des Moines IA 50312, 515-274-1551) and Tifereth Israel to share Jewish Glendale Cemetery. Temple B'nai Jeshurun (5101 Grand Ave., Des Moines IA 50312, 515-274-4679), dating from 28 Sep 1873, is the oldest of Des Moines' synagogues. Many members of this congregation are buried in Des Moines' oldest Jewish cemetery, Emanuel Jewish.
- Glendale Cemetery, Jewish sections: 4909 University Ave., 50311. Located at 48th Street and University Avenue, west of Drake University, the Jewish section is located in the southwest corner of the cemetery proper, adjacent to University Avenue. Founded by Beth El Jacob, Children of Israel, and Tifereth Israel synagogues. Burial information regarding members of Beth El Jacob may be obtained from Ronald Rabinovitz of Des Moines (515) 279-8221.
For members of Tifereth Israel (924 Polk Blvd. Des Moines, IA 50312, 515-255-1137), contact Harold Leener, (515) 244-3273. 10 burial spaces in Section B Lot 32 at Glendale in 1919 were Tifereth Israel's section of Glendale Cemetery, purchased by Julius and Rachael COHEN. From Children of Israel Cemetery Book, Rabbi Boruch Halevi at Tifereth Israel Synagogue (515) 255-1138. [March 2003]
- Woodland Cemetery: 2019 Woodland Ave., 50312.
DUBUQUE:
Jewish population in 1919 was 450 according to Alan Hirschfeld and "Directory of Jewish Local Organizations in the United States", pp. 330-583 in American Jewish Year Book 5680 September 25,1919 to Sept. 12, 1920; volume 21, edited by Harry Schneiderman for the American Jewish Comm.
- Chesed Shel Emes:
- Levi's Cemetery: ca 1830s. See Postal & Koppman. >Jewish Tourist's Guide to U.S Phila., PA: Jewish Publ. Society, 1954, p.176 (article by Margaret Foster).
IOWA CITY:
- Agudas Achim Cemetery: {10006} Linder Road, Iowa City, IA 52240. The 1859 cemetery has eighty graves. Contact: Rabbi Jeff Portman, Agudas Achim Congregation, 602 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-3813 approx.
KEOKUK:
1919 Jewish population was 143 according to Alan Hirschfeld and "Directory of Jewish Local Organizations in the United States", pp. 330-583 in American Jewish Year Book 5680 September 25,1919 to Sept. 12, 1920; volume 21, edited by Harry Schneiderman for the American Jewish Comm.
MUSCATINE: Sweetland Township, Muscatine County
OTTUMWA: Wapello County {10965}
- Jewish cemetery: The cemetery, located at the SE corner of Jefferson and Van Ness streets in North Ottumwa, dates from about 1880. Some stones are illegible. The cemetery is owned privately by the congregation and managed by the Ottumwa Cemetery Association. Only fifteen Jews remain in Ottumwa as of 1998, most quite elderly. Source: Arnold Sigel: sigelaz@aol.com
- Congregation B'na Jacob Cemetery: The Jewish cemetery on Vaness Avenue is north of it, across from the former St. Joseph hospital and just east of the Ottumwa Cemetery. Bnai Jacob Synagogue is at 1221 East 4th.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~iawapegs/cemetery/jewish.htm has a photo of the cemetery. The Wapello County Genealogical Society published index for the Jewish cemetery is for sale through the Iowa Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 7735, Des Moines, IA 50322. For further cemetery information contact the Wapello County Genealogical Society, P.O Box163, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 or E-Mail to David Hull dhull@franklin.se-iowa.net [January 2003]
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY:
From Cemeteries of the US Deborah M. Burek, ed. Gale Research Int., Detroit MI (1994); ISBN 0-8103-9245-3. Source: Al Rosenfield, Columbus OH; e-mail: arosen@ee.net
- Bikhor Cholim Cemetery: p. 04969
- Oakhill Jewish Cemetery: p. 04973
SIOUX CITY:
1919 Jewish population was 2,500 according to Alan Hirschfeld and "Directory of Jewish Local Organizations in the United States", pp. 330-583 in American Jewish Year Book 5680 September 25,1919 to Sept. 12, 1920; volume 21, edited by Harry Schneiderman for the American Jewish Committee.
See AJA). American Jewish Archives, 3101 Clifton Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45220-2488. 513-221-1875 (tel); 513-221-7812 (fax). E-mail: AJA@cn.huc.edu: Cemetery list. 1905-1989. SC-2626 for Centennial Historic Sketches of Sioux City Jewry. Sioux City, Iowa. 1968. Histories file
Sioux City Jewish cemetery contact: Jim Sherman, 1522 Douglas Street, Sioux City, IA 51104 (712-252-4265
- Independent Farane: administered by the Sioux City Jewish Federation, which holds the burial records. Federation's postal address is 815 -38th Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51104-0141, (712) 258-0618.
- Ladies Hebrew Friend Society:
- Mount Carmel: administered by the Sioux City Jewish Federation, which holds the burial records. Federation's postal address is 815 -38th Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51104-0141, (712) 258-0618.
- Mount Sinai Congregation Cemetery: administered by the Sioux City Jewish Federation, which holds the burial records. Federation's postal address is 815 -38th Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51104-0141, (712) 258-0618.
SWEETLAND: see MUSCATINE
TRI CITY: see Rock Island, Illinois
WATERLOO:
- Waterloo Jewish Cemetery: Contact: Rabbi Sol Serber, Congregation Sons of Jacob, 411 Mitchell Ave. Waterloo, IA 50702, (319) 233-9448
All individuals involved in the creation of this project are volunteers.
The right to make one copy for personal use with full citation is hereby granted;
however, no profit is to be made from the use of this website's information.
No reply will be made to inquiries about specific burials. All information that we possess is on the website. We have no other information so please do not write requesting any on either burial sites or individual burials.
Revised Wednesday, November 01, 2006 23:42:19