Evelyn Neubauer

EVELYN ANN NEUBAUER

Iowa City

Evelyn Ann Neubauer, 97, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, with her family by her side. A service to celebrate Evelyn's life will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service and burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mercy Hospital Foundation for Mercy Guild or to Iowa City Hospice.

Evelyn was born Sept. 28, 1919, in Cicero, Ill., to Frank and Antonette Dusek Matias. As a young girl in Glen Ellyn, Ill., she was very athletic and loved playing basketball. As a young working woman in Chicago, her social life included ballroom dancing and roller skating at roller rinks throughout the Chicago area.

In 1941, Evelyn moved to San Diego, Calif. It was at Sherman's Dine and Dance Ballroom she met the love of her life, a handsome young sailor named "Merle." Merle Neubauer and Evelyn were married in San Diego on Feb. 26, 1942. Children and Navy life on the West Coast soon followed. In addition to San Diego, they resided in San Bruno, Oakland, Mountain View, San Pedro and Long Beach, Calif., before Merle retired from the Navy.

In 1955, Merle and Evelyn moved to Iowa City, where the family continued to grow. While raising their children, they still danced at every opportunity. They were often the first couple to rise for a good waltz, jitterbug or fox trot. They were a beautiful dancing couple. Without a doubt, Evelyn was extremely happy on the dance floor.

While she and Merle were busy raising nine children, volunteer work was an important and rewarding part of Evelyn's life. She delivered flowers, smiles and comfort to patients at Mercy Iowa City for nearly 40 years. She lived by the Golden Rule, and her kindness and thoughtfulness toward those less fortunate was a part of her daily life. Evelyn's other interests included playing canasta and bingo, crocheting afghans and enjoying nature while fishing with Merle. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church, St. Patrick's Needleworkers and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association, Hawkeye Branch and Unit 216.

Evelyn had her own talents and dreams and was an inspirational spirit in strength and courage. As a mother she was loving, dedicated, practical and hardworking. She had a great sense of humor and loved a good laugh, goofy hat or costume. For over 50 years "Christmas at Court Street" was full of laughter and joyous holiday games that she created for her family. She will be deeply missed this Christmas season and always.

Evelyn is survived by her loving children, Merle Ann Clark and Dale (Susie) Neubauer, Bend, Ore., Janet (Derek) Engelen and Norma (Russ) Lake, Florida, Marie Neubauer (partner Greg Noel Sr.), North Liberty, Raymond (Christy) Neubauer, Des Moines, Victor Neubauer, Colorado, and Brian Neubauer, the Netherlands; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Frank (Connie) Matias of Sandwich, Ill.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merle; their son, Kenneth; two of her brothers; and three sisters.

One of Evelyn's favorite songs was "You Are My Sunshine." Thanks, Mom, for being our sunshine.