Eleanor "Ellie" Jean Denlinger

Eleanor “Ellie” Jean Denlinger

Cedar Rapids

Eleanor “Ellie” Jean Denlinger, 84, was surrounded by her family and died on Friday, February 14, 2025, at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital after a brief illness. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Jude Catholic Church by Rev. Nick March. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery. A Vigil Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday at Teahen Funeral Home. Those not wishing to attend the Vigil Service can visit with the family on Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ellie was the beloved wife of Harvey Denlinger. Their 65-year marriage was an amazing story of care, respect and devotion. Their strong love was the foundation that spilled over onto generosity toward others. If you were privileged to be in their orbit, you were the benefactor of favors and time – no questions asked and no return favors required.

Ellie was born in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Mary and Lester Lyons of proud Irish identity. She was the fourth child of a sprawling Irish clan of 10 children: James (Pauline), Rosa (Fred) Crispo, Pat (Betty), Loras (Linda), Rosie (Jim) Wiley, Carol (Bill) Stachura, Richard, Kenny (Mary), and Jeannie (Joe) Lynch. She was raised on the family farm and cherished her memories of living with her grandmother (Grammy) and her great-aunt Ida (Idie) to whom she was especially devoted. She had fond memories of playing with the first cousins, the Wagners.

Ellie dedicated her early married years to raising seven children: David, Teri, Mike (Vicky), Dan, Kelly Allard (Jeff), Jamie and Matt (Nicole). She loved the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who followed. As a mother, she left no stone unturned in caring for her severely handicapped son, Jamie. And, she had the unfair task of returning four of her children to heaven.

We are all imprinted as children with the values of our parents. Ellie was deeply imprinted by her parents with living a life of giving to others and one of deepening her faith. Wherever she went, she arrived with “goodies” in her arms – whether it be cookies, a homemade pie, cleaning supplies, and often thrift items carefully selected for the recipient. More than material things, Ellie brought acceptance, lack of judgment, warmth, and was a cheer leader for others. She believed in you more than you believed in yourself. Her spirit was nourished with a deep faith. Once she retired, more than often she went to daily Mass, took communion to shut-ins and parish members who were hospitalized.

Ellie graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Dubuque, Iowa. While raising her kids, she decided to pursue a registered nursing degree and earned a Master’s degree in nursing from the University of St Francis. She worked as a nurse for years at St. Luke’s.

She was an active member of St Jude’s Catholic Church, a hospice volunteer, a free clinic volunteer, a member of an Irish class learning Gaelic, a bible study participant, a Silver Sneakers Club regular, a card player, a Goodwill shopper…

Ellie lived a full and purposeful life. She will be deeply missed. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Community Health Free Clinic.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.