Sally Stodola

SALLY JEPSEN STODOLA

Cedar Rapids

Sally Lorraine Jepsen Stodola was born into the strong Czech heritage of her mother, Mary Hasek, and the large Danish family of her father, Harold Jepsen, on July 2, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, joining her older sister, Barbara. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1961 and married her high school sweetheart, David Stodola, on Sept. 1, 1962.

While her dreams of her youth were to join a life of adventure with the U.S. Coast Guard, she instead attended Paris Academy of Beauty in 1962. Her talent and skills made the world a beautiful place one soul at a time.

Sally and David welcomed their first pride and joy, Eric David Stodola, on Oct. 31, 1964, and their second, Kandi Kristina Stodola, on Jan. 18, 1969.

Her grandchildren, Sydney Brianne Stodola, Kainen Jack Brian Klinger and Emily Peyton Stodola were treasured as much, if not more, than if she'd given birth to them herself.

Family, her husband, children, and grand-children, were her every breath, her every light, caring for them deeply from her heart and soul. She was unwaveringly loving. She cherished and devoted her time to us every moment of her life. She taught us courage, strength and kindness and to love with no boundaries.

But she was more than just a loving, kind Mom, Grammi, Daughter, Sister, Friend. Even if you didn't know Sally Stodola by name, you still knew her. She was the kind of person who was always there for everyone. She was the person who watched over those she cared about. Some people in life are just like that. They're called guardian angels. We called her Mom and Grammi.

Her beauty and style shined with class and grace, and she displayed an endearing shyness when receiving praise and compliments.

Sally was a kind, giving soul, who worked hard and valued the special meanings to life. Everyone enjoyed her company.

Sally worked a few jobs throughout her journey, much of her life as a hairdresser at Killian's. It was a born calling. Those who came to her immediately liked her, trusted her; she made them beautiful and did so for a long time.

One day she decided she wanted to try something completely different. She joined the workforce at Farmstead Foods, where her father had once worked. It wasn't easy as a woman, but she proved her strength and determination.

Later she worked at MCI Conference Calling for a short time, then devoted many years at The Gazette alongside her son. She then devoted time in Alaska caring for her sister while Barbara battled and passed from breast cancer. Shortly thereafter she cared for her mother while also rebuilding Mary's home destroyed from the flood. In the rebuilding of her childhood home, Sally displayed passion for interior design while proving her talent. After her mother passed, Sally kept busy working at Midwest Janitorial Service at Wells Fargo. All while never missing a moment being Mom and Grammi.

Sally's kindness and compassion extended beyond family and friends. She held a special place in her heart for animals, particularly, but not limited to, cats. Some of her other passions were Elvis, cooking, baking, gardening, patriotic pride, Budweiser Clydesdales, Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

At the age of 72, God's grace, her mother (Mary), father (Harold), grand-parents (Chris and Tina Jepsen and Frank and Anna Hasek), sister (Barbara) and husband (Dave) took her by the hand and walked her home, a reunion that promised comfort, joy and peace.

Until we meet again, she will be thought of each second of every day. Her beautiful soul will be missed beyond measure.

A rosary will be Monday, Dec. 1, from 4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 4:30 to 7 p.m., at Teahen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home. Sally will be laid to rest at St. John's Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.teahen funeralhome.com.