Evelyn Frances Staudt

Funeral Services for Evelyn Frances Staudt, 97, of Coralville, formerly of Marble Rock, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Roseville with Father Ralph Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Roseville Cemetery, Roseville.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, at the Roseville School with a Scriptural Wake at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the school on hour before services on Friday.

Evelyn passed away at the Bird House-Hospice Home of Johnson County on Friday, July 26, 2019.

Evelyn Staudt was born May 6, 1922 to Carl and Hattie (Haan) Friedrichs in Butler County, Iowa. As a small child the family moved to Marble Rock. Evelyn received her education in the Marble Rock Schools, graduating in 1940. In September of that year, she entered the three year nursing program in Sioux City and Mason City School of Nursing. She received her registered nursing degree in 1943.

In July 1943 she married Louis Merfeld. September 1944, Louis was killed in action on a bombing mission over Germany. Their son, Ronald, was born three months after this. Evelyn and her small son moved to Mason City where she continued on with her nursing career. On November 25, 1946 she was married to Clarence Staudt of Marble Rock. They made their home on the family farm. To this union, three sons and one daughter were born. After the children were all in school, Evelyn returned to nursing at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital, ending her profession as Director of Nursing in 1977.

Clarence and Evelyn moved to their new home, adjacent to the farm in 1976. They enjoyed many years of retirement traveling with the Heritage Club of Charles City and many trips on their own visiting children and new grandchildren. Evelyn enjoyed gardening, golfing, reading, crocheting and crafting. They spent about 30 winters in Florida. In 2009, Clarence and Evelyn moved to their independent living apartment in Coralville. Clarence passed away in 2012, just months short of his 100th birthday. Evelyn became a strong Hawkeye fan in the fall and winter and enjoyed Cubs games in the summer.

Evelyn was a long time member of St. Mary’s Church, Roseville and a member of the Rosary Society.

She is survived by her five children, Ronald (Ann) Merfeld, Lawrenceville, New Jersey; Michael Staudt (Cindy), Waterloo, Ia/Sun City, Arizona; Thomas Staudt (Maria), Tucson, Az; Keith Staudt (Jayne), Bay City, Texas, Lisa Staudt (Jack) Paige, Iowa City; 13 grandchildren, Brad, Allison (Joe Haas) and Tyler Merfeld (Jill); Chris (Nicole) Jordan and Michaela Staudt; Alex, Spencer and Betsy (Joe Zebrowski) Paige and Regan Staudt. Evelyn is also survived by two sisters, Mary Koenigsfeld of Marble Rock and Wilma Bock of Charles City and many much loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, devoted husband, Clarence, two sisters, Edna Garl and Carol Hearn, two brothers, Robert and Leroy Friedrichs, and an infant grandson, Nathan Paige.

Evelyn will be remembered for her sweet smile, a heart full of love for family and friends and her faith. She will be missed and remembered fondly.

Memorials are to be sent to Lisa Paige, P.O. Box 219 Greene, Iowa 50636, to be given to St. Mary Catholic Church in Roseville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Retz Funeral Home, 423 Bradford St. Marble Rock, Iowa 50401; 641-823-4457; www.retzfh.com.