Julianna M. Gerken

DINGBAUM, GARSIDE, GERKEN, GIBBS, KOELKER, MAIERS, MEZERA, SAVAGE, SHORT, TJADEN, VOSS

Posted By: Cindy-IAGenWeb Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/16/2014 at 11:23:11

Julianna M. Gerken, 77, of Independence, Iowa entered her eternal rest on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at the ABCM Rehabilitation Center’s West Campus in Independence, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Julianna was born on July 19, 1936, near Petersburg, Iowa the daughter of John A. and Irene (Koelker) Dingbaum. She received her education in the St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earlville, Iowa graduating from Xavier High School in Dyersville, IA. On January 20, 1959 she was united into marriage to Leo J. Gerken in Earlville, Iowa. The couple made their home in Independence, IA, where they raised their five children.

She was involved as a chapter chairperson for the American Heart Association, served as a Girl Scout Leader, and volunteered at St. John’s Catholic Schools. She loved to cook, sew, read, and follow her children in their various endeavors.

She is survived by her children; Mitch “Shelia” Gerken, Independence, IA, Morris Gerken, Independence, IA, Lisa Tjaden, Omaha, NE, Lonie Mezera, Des Moines, IA, and Linda “Mike” Short, Marion, IA., ten grandchildren; Erica, Natalie, Bradley, Amanda, Troy, Cody,and Hallei Gerken, Nicholas and Hunter Mezera and Trevor Short, seven great grandchildren; Kyle, Mason, Abby, Alex, Nathan and Zachary Gerken, and Cael Savage, three sisters; Veryl Voss, Guttenberg, IA, Dorothy Maiers, Dyersville, IA, and Rita (Jack) Garside, Dubuque, IA, and a brother; Lester (Virgie) Dingbaum, Manchester, IA, and a sister-in-law, Eileen Dingbaum, Dyersville, IA

Julianna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leo in 2008, a sister and brother-in-law; Therese (Bill) Gibbs, and a brother Alver Dingbaum, and two brother-in-laws Tony Voss and Dixie Maiers.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA, with Rev. Don Plamondon officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Independence. Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM Friday, and from 8 to 10 AM Saturday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA where a rosary will be recited at 3 PM and a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7 PM Friday.