Obituary of Betty Krapfl

EARLVILLE, IOWA Elizabeth “Betty” A. Krapfl, 82, of Dyersville and formerly of Earlville passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville surrounded by her family. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Monday prior to funeral services. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb, 10, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Betty was born to Clem and Ella Naber on their family farm outside Dyersville. She joined her 2 brothers and 5 sisters and worked around the house and farm. She enjoyed going to school and graduated in 8th grade from St. Francis Xavier. Betty was 15 when she met the love of her life at the KC Hall in Dyersville. Her heart started to follow the beat of Gene Krapfl’s heart that evening. They both loved to go to dances and were engaged shortly before Gene left for the Army in 1955. They were married on September 24, 1957, at the Basilica and began farming in Masonville before eventually settling in Earlville. Betty had a lifelong love of music and played her guitar since the age of 13. She enjoyed singing with her band for over a decade and was known for her beautiful yodeling. Betty began caring for children in her home for the next 24 years. She shared her love of music with the children who excitedly sang along with her many days. Family gatherings were always noisy and joyous events filled with laughter and card playing. Betty suffered a significant stroke in 2007. This was a terrible blow but she had a remarkable recovery with damage limited to her right hand and right leg. This unfortunately stole her ability to play guitar and reduced her mobility. She is survived by her husband, Gene, and she was a proud and patient mother to her 8 children: Kay (Gary) Demmer of Dyersville, Tom (Donna) Krapfl and Pat (Kathy) Krapfl, both of Delhi, Al (special friend Melissa Dutra) Krapfl, Janet (Mike) Orcutt, Julie (Shannon) Lahr, and Jim (Deanna) Krapfl, all of Earlville, and Mary (Dr. Brad) Gamble of Dallas, TX; She loved each of her 28 grandchildren as well as her 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Frank (Joyce) Naber of Dyersville. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings and in-laws, her daughter-in-law Kim Krapfl, her grandsons Alex and Andrew Krapfl. Betty will be greatly missed but fondly remembered for her gentle spirit, quick laugh and fervent love of pretty clothes and cute shoes. Rest well Betty and dance in heaven with all those who preceded you. Gene and the family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bules, the nursing staff at Mercy One and Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent care while Betty was struggling. An enormous amount of gratitude also goes to the Mercy One Senior Care staff and the Ellen Kennedy Center staff for their loving care of Betty over the last several years. We would also like to thank Fr. Quint for anointing Betty and offering prayers to our family.