Obituary of Toots Bockenstedt

LUXEMBURG, IOWA

Ivanell “Toots” M. Bockenstedt, 93, of Luxemburg, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Ellen Kennedy Living Center.

A visitation will be held from 3 - 7 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue from 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the funeral mass.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, with burial to follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Toots was born on December 26, 1930, in Colesburg, Iowa, the daughter of Anton and Theresa (Neiland) Helle. She married Calvin Bockenstedt on October 9, 1950, in Colesburg, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 6, 2020. Together, they farmed near Petersburg and Luxemburg for 24 years before moving to Luxemburg.

Toots lived a life of dedication and hard work, always putting her family first and ensuring their well-being through her care. Her commitment extended to her work cleaning Luxemburg School for more than two decades. Toots found joy in nurturing her yard and flowerbeds at the farm and in Luxemburg.

Alongside Cal, she enjoyed travel and social gatherings, creating cherished memories over the years. Her baking talents, especially her delicious cinnamon rolls, left a lasting impression on all who tasted them. Toots was also a skilled quilter, leaving behind a legacy of handmade quilts that will be treasured by her family for generations to come.

She is survived by her three sons: Wayne (Joyce) Bockenstedt, Steve Bockenstedt both of Luxemburg and Randy (Sandy) Bockenstedt of Sherrill; three daughters: Judy (Steve) Selchert of Dubuque, Joyce Hess of Cedar Rapids and Sandy (Tim) Wilgenbusch of Dubuque; 18 grandchildren and their spouses, 23 great-grandchildren; in-laws: Doris Helle, Agnes Putz, Helen Nurre, and Maggie Bockenstedt. She is also survived by Alice Schieltz, best friend and neighbor for many years. 

She was preceeded in death by her husband, Cal; parents; parents-in-law, William and Willameana Bockenstedt; granddaughter, Melissa Gansemer; great-granddaughters: Addison and Emma Destival; siblings: Donald (Ardella) Helle, Tony Helle, Eileen (Frank) Egeloff, Vernon (Mildred) Helle; in-laws: Fred Bockenstedt, Anna Mae (LaVern) Koelker, Ardell (Harold) Klosterman, William (Alice) Bockenstedt, Harold Bockenstedt, Vernon Bockenstedt, and Walter Putz.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Ellen Kennedy Living Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care. A special thanks to granddaughter Megan Holliday for the loving care she gave Toots in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Parrish or Hospice of Dubuque.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com