Eva Joann Giehl

Eva Joann Giehl, 86, of Mason City, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Mason City Area Nursing Home. She was born August 20, 1929 the daughter of Harry and Eva Marie (Christman) Clarence. She married Eugene H. Giehl November 12, 1949 in Henry, Illinois. Joann is survived by her husband: Eugene, two sons: Michael Giehl of Bradenton, FL, Ted (Bethanne) Giehl of Worcester, MA, two daughters: Judy (Don) Smith of San Jose, IL, Mary (Mike) Moos of Sherman, IL, one son in law: Paul Dorethy of Mason City, IL, one daughter in law: Pat Giehl of Murfreesboro, TN, 10 grandchildren: Stacey Giehl, of Murfreesboro, TN, Brandon Giehl of Murfreesboro, TN, Stephanie (Peter) Ramsay of Montgomery, IL, Taylor (Stan) Fangmeier of Easton, IL, Nathan Giehl of Sims, NC, Tyler Smith of San Jose, IL, Aaron Becker of Mountain View, CA, Josh Becker of Denver, CO, Jonathan Moos of Chicago, IL, Adam Giehl of Worcester, MA and three great grandchildren: Mackenzie Giehl of Murfreesboro, TN, Nick Fangmeier and Zach Fangmeier of Easton, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son: David Giehl and one daughter: Diane Dorethy. Joann graduated from Sparland High School in 1947. She joined the Catholic Church upon her marriage, and was a member of the St. Columba Catholic Church in Mason City. She was active in the Altar and Rosary Society and the Mason City Food Pantry. When the church in Mason City was consolidated, she became a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Lincoln. Joann had grown up an only child, and dreamed of having a large family of her own. She loved caring for her six children, and worked countless hours canning fruits and vegetables from her husband’s huge garden. She volunteered for many years as a Cub Scout den mother. She started a part-time job at Montgomery Ward catalog store in Mason City when her youngest son started kindergarten. She later worked at the Olympic Federal Savings & Loan and the First State Bank of Lincoln. She sewed many of her own and her children’s clothes throughout the years. When her children were grown she discovered a love of quilting, and created numerous works of art. She gifted each of her grandchildren a handmade quilt upon their graduation from high school. She loved cats, and rescued strays even as a child. She had many favorite cats over the years, but Roberto was her most beloved. Joann spent her last year at the Mason City Area Nursing Home. Although she never gave up her goal of moving back to her home, she enjoyed the company of the other residents and the staff. As quilting became more difficult, she discovered adult coloring books and spent many hours coloring. Several of the Christmas cards she sent this past year were hand colored creations. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lincoln. Visitation will be on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City. Burial will take place at the Mason City Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mason City Area Nursing Home or to the Mason City Food Pantry. Online memorial messages can be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is assisting the family with the arrangements

Eva Joann Giehl

August 20, 1929 - February 23, 2016

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