Kathe Stephenson, 100, of Eldon, IA passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, IA under the care of EveryStep Hospice. As were her wishes, her body has been donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Wapello Hall at the Wapello County Fairgrounds in Eldon, IA. It will be a time to celebrate and enjoy Kathe’s favorites, cookies, ice cream, and wine. Memorial contributions in Kathe’s honor may be directed to EveryStep Hospice of Mt. Pleasant who lovingly took care of her in her final days. Cards may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Kathe Stephenson was born on April 6, 1924, in Germany to Paul and Grete Tiedtke Mursch. She came to the United States when she was six months old and lived near Agency, IA during her childhood. Kathe graduated from Agency High School and furthered her education at Wartburg College. She met the love of her life, Edward Stephenson in Eldon, IA and began their journey together as husband and wife on
November 19, 1944, in Ottumwa. They moved to the Eldon area where Kathe worked by Ed’s side on the farm, as well as taking care of the home and growing the best garden ever. She loved doing embroidery and being Ed’s copilot on traveling adventures. Kathe was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ottumwa where she grew her faith and her relationship with God.
She cared deeply for her family and shared that love with her children, Vincent (Christina) Stephenson of Casselberry, FL, Lois (Robert) Shipley of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Linda (Douglas) Manley of Eldon, IA. She was the best grandma to, Dan (Gina) Sedore, Kara (Chad) Carter, Kristy Frost, Ashely (Brad) Weis, Dustin Stephenson, Cody (Samantha) Manley, Weston Manley, and Sawyer (Tiffany) Manley, as well as her “adopted” grandkids at the Eldon Fire and Rescue. She also was a great grandmother to 18 great grandchildren, Hunter, Hannah and Hayden Sedore, Ava Garcia, Evelyn and Ethan Carter, Summer and Scarlett Frost, Avery, Major, Mattea and Briggs Weis, Garrett Porter, Preston Downing, Ariana Manley, Elivia, Phoenix and Ariel Manley.
Kathe was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edward, a sister, Grete Wheeler and brother- in-law, Don Wheeler; as well as Ed’s siblings and in-laws, Thema (Charles), Bob (Lou), Helen (Elmer), Mary, and George.
