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Holly J. Gefaller
Holly J. Gefaller
Hawkeye
Holly J. Gefaller, 75, of rural Hawkeye, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life for Holly and her son, Todd will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, with the Rev. Ron Roberts officiating. Visitation will precede services at the Church starting at 10 a.m. Becker & Son Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting Holly’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Holly was born on Dec. 8, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, the third child of Robert and Irene (Garbers) Cranston. Her parents welcomed her into their family and she joined brothers, Terry (Patty) of Overland Park, Kan., and Tom (Becky) of The Villages, Fla. She was a loved little girl, especially to her Dad.
Holly graduated from Norway High School in 1965.
She was joined in marriage to DeWayne Gefaller on Nov. 20, 1965, at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Atkins, Iowa. Two very loved little boys were born; Todd of Iowa City in 1966 and Trent (Jenny) of Oelwein in 1969. DeWayne and Holly lived in Hawkeye, Iowa for over 55 years.
Holly worked at several jobs over her life. Early on, at United Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, also Butler Paper Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Later, at the Schnor Store, Gas and Goods, secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church for 12 years and then boom! -- her dream job, secretary at Hawkeye Elementary for 24 years. She loved those kids!
The pride of her life was her granddaughters, Savannah Dawn Schauerbroeck (Justin) of Clive and Sydney Faith Gefaller of Oelwein. The love of her life was DeWayne, old cars and old music. She also enjoyed hobbies including needlework, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery quilting, reading, flower gardening and a trip to the casino every so often. DeWayne and she also enjoyed their yearly trips to Arizona, visiting good friends Kathy and Bill Zeller. Don and Phyllis Maeder were card playing buddies and life long friends.
Those passing before Holly were her son, Todd, on June 7, 2023; parents; parents-in-law; a sister-in law, Laura Gefaller; and many favorite aunts and uncles.
Left to remember her are brother-in-law, Richard Gefaller; sisters-in-law, Norma (Byron) Clark and Deanna (Keith Schneider) Gefaller; many cousins; and much loved nieces and nephews.
Psalm 23 is very special to Holly - Both her mother Irene and grandmother, Stella had it read at their funerals along with the hymn "The Lord's My Shepherd" so she would like that continued at hers.
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