Bessie ‘Evelyn’ Backer

Bessie “Evelyn” Backer, 92 of Cedar Falls, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Bickford Cottages. She was born Dec. 24, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa, daughter of Melvin C. and Catherine C. (Bradshaw) Knapp. Evelyn graduated from Floyd High School, Floyd, IA in 1949. She married Donald L. Backer on March 25, 1950, in Colwell, Iowa. He died Oct. 2, 2008.

She babysat for several years, worked at Waterloo Parking Ramps and, along with Don was a Custodian for 18 years for Bethel Presbyterian Church. She was an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, now United Presbyterian Church where she had been past president of the United Presbyterian Women, member, and past president of her chapter of King’s Daughters and Sons, member of Hope Circle and served as deacon and elder. She enjoyed camping and fishing with her family in their tent and later fold-down camper, road trips, and playing cards with her family and friends. Family was her pride and joy.

She is survived by her three daughters: Carolyn Mulder and her husband Douglas of Aplington, Diane Ernster and her husband Dennis of Brandon, and Virginia Reiss and her husband Louis of Waterloo; two sons: Steven and his wife Lisa of Holland, Scott and his wife Lidia of Aurora, Colorado, and his Daughter in law, Lisa of Independence; 20 grandchildren; and 30 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and one on the way. Sister, Doris (Donald) Hibner of Charles City, IA

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, son, Harry and infant daughter Gloria. Brother Carl and Mellie Knapp

Funeral Services: 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at the Unity Presbyterian Church, Waterloo.

Burial will be in Sunnyside Memorial Gardens, Charles City at 2 p.m. Visitation will be an hour before the services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

www.lockefuneralservices.com