Obituary of Geraldine Engler

Geraldine M. Engler, 93, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Mercy One Senior Care (Oakcrest), Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial in St. Paul Cemetery, Worthington, IA.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Geraldine was born February 25, 1926 in Worthington, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Mary (Baum) Hess.  She married David A. Engler on January 27, 1948 in Worthington.  Geraldine ran the office at the Dyersville Sale Barn and worked as the bookkeeper at the Worthington Creamery Company.   In 1973 she and her twin brother Gerald, purchased the Dyersville Sale Barn and continued as the co-owner and office manager until she retired at age 72. 

Geraldine was a true caregiver as evidenced by how she tended to and loved her family and friends.  She was a terrific cook and was always ready to set an extra plate for anyone who dropped in.  Of course, if you ate you also would stay and play cards.  A good Solo or Euchre game could easily last until it was time to go to 6:00 a.m. mass on Sunday.   She loved winning, even if it was a nickel or dime, especially from her grandson, David, or grandson-in- law, Dan.  Geraldine could always be found cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs.

She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin and the Rosary.  As a member of her family or as one of her countless friends, you have been on the receiving end of her countless Rosary Novena petitions. 

Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (Vincent) Folkedahl of Iowa City, IA, 2 grandchildren: David (fiancé Jodi Flynn) Folkedahl, their children; Vincent and Gabriel Folkedahl and Morgan Flynn, Elizabeth (Daniel) Guza and their children; David, Matthew and Katelyn Guza, her twin brother, Gerald Hess of Dyersville, and several nieces and nephews, each of whom were very special to her.  She is also survived by her “honorary daughters”, Laura Phearman of Iowa City, Lois Forkenbrock of Dyersville and Dorothy Kramer of Worthington.   

She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2003, brothers: A. Michael, Ambrose, Donald Hess, sister, Florabelle Heiser and two brothers in infancy: Harold and Ronald Hess.

Geraldine spent the past 4 ½ years living at Mercy One Senior Care (Oakcrest), where she was treated with dignity and love by an amazing group of caring staff.  For this, her family will be forever grateful.