Ellen 'Nellie' Krapfl

ELLEN L. “NELLIE” KRAPFL

New Vienna

Ellen L. "Nellie" Krapfl, 88, of New Vienna, Iowa, passed away Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday at the funeral home prior to funeral Mass. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Nellie was born Sept. 8, 1933, in Earlville, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Minnie (Melchert) Goldsmith. She married Robert Krapfl on May 29, 1957, in Earlville, Iowa. Nellie was a lifelong supporter of Catholic education. She served on the Beckman School Board and the Endowment Board. Nellie graduated from Ottumwa Heights College and taught fourth grade in Greeley, Iowa. She continued as a substitute teacher for many years in the area, never losing her enthusiasm for watching children learn and appreciate reading.

Nellie was a very gifted seamstress and quilter. She enjoyed quilting with the New Vienna area women. Nellie also enjoyed music. She sang and played the organ for St. Boniface parish for many years. Christmas was her favorite holiday, always welcoming family and friends to her home.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary Ellen (John) Gates of Cedar Rapids, Kay (Tom) Klaren of Dyersville and Karen (Kevin) Didio of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Emily) Gates, Kellie (J.P.) Helgens and Meggie Gates, Brian (Samantha) Klaren, Rachel (Brandon) Bollaert, Andy Didio and Brandon Didio; six great-grandchildren, Mason, Penelope Gates, Hugh Helgens, Jackson, Elsie Klaren and Everett Bollaert; sister, Betty (Hank) Ehrlich of Dyersville; and in-laws, Don (Jean) Krapfl of New Vienna and Jean Hermsen of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, in 2018; grandson, Alexander Didio; siblings, George (Laura) Goldsmith, Genevieve (Ray) Olberding, Margaret (Clem) Kapler, Delores (Ed) Nefzger, Mary (John) Kupferschmidt, Mildred (Larry) Kramer, Floyd (Marie) Goldsmith, James (Bertha) Goldsmith, Fred (Darlene) Goldsmith and Arthur Jr. (Bernadine Nefzger) Goldsmith; and in-laws, Dan Hermsen and Roger (Mary Lou) Krapfl.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Brittany, and Stonehill Care Center for their excellent care and compassion.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com. Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave. SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.