Michael David Bell 1934-2009

BELL TURNER PEARSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 1/7/2010 at 16:30:05

Sioux City Journal
1 May 2009

Onawa Democrat
15 April 2009

Virginia M. (Renz) Stevens, was born October 6, 1934, to Dominicus and Virgie (Terrell) Renz in Dunlap, Iowa. She died Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa after suffering a stroke at the age of 74 years, 5 months, and 29 days. Virginia attended country schools in the Dunlap area and graduated from Dunlap High School in 1953.

Virginia married LeRoy Stevens on May 2, 1954. The couple were blessed with two children. Virginia worked at Headstart for 29 years, retiring in 2006. She loved working with the children. Every year she told us she taught the cutest kids she had ever seen.

Virginia was a member of Soldier Lutheran Church and WELCA. After retirement, she enjoyed her Bible study group, reading, attending various clubs, volunteering with Hospice and swimming with her friends. She also was an avid walker. Her favorite activity by far was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they were her greatest joy.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jerry Renz; two sisters, Anna Maxine and her husband Virgil "Ole" Lary and Ruth Jean and her husband and Henry Kroll; an nephew, Calvin Krooll.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, LeRoy Stevens of Soldier; one son, Maynard Stevens and his wife Marilyn of Lawrence, Kan.; one daughter, Cathy and her husband Joel Shanahan of Ute, Iowa; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Tom Renz and his wife Lotte of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Bill and his wife Karen Renz of Deloit, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services was held on Wednesday April 8, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at the Soldier Lutheran Church, Soldier, Iowa. Clergy was Rev. Meggan Manlove. Musician were Jim and EveVonne Muff. Honorary Pall Bearers were Heather Harris, Keri Muff, Cori Shanahan, Tara Shanahan and Melissa Stevens.

Pall bearers were Jason Stevens, Justin Stevens, Justin Ranney, Rick Harris, Brian Muff and Brandon Thoreson. Final Resting placew at Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Dunlap, Iowa.