Alice Mae Krapfl

  Alice Mae Krapfl, born on August 9, 1932, in Iowa City, Iowa, was the daughter of Elmer and Alice Mae (Sprague) Oertell Miller. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, where she attended school. Alice pursued her passion for nursing, earning her RN from Sauk Valley Community College in Sterling, Illinois.

  On February 8, 1949, Alice married Karl James Krapfl at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque. The couple first met while she was working at the Maid-Rite Diner, and from there, a beautiful love story began. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Ronald, Deborah, Julie, Lynn, Larry, and Kathy.

  Alice dedicated her life to caring for others, working as a nurse for 45 years. She began her career at Dyersville Hospital in Dyersville, Iowa, and later worked for Dr. Dolan, M.D., and Winneshiek County Hospital in Decorah. As Karl’s job required frequent relocations, the couple embraced a life of adventure, moving every two to three years. Karl lovingly built Alice a new home in each town they settled in, always doing the work themselves. Throughout their journey, Alice worked at Bethea Hospital in Dixon, Illinois, Denison Care Center, Crawford County Hospital in Denison, and even on-call for Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, before retiring from Eventide Nursing Home.

  Alice was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. She had a deep love for quilting, gardening, and baking—especially her famous Texas bars and homemade bread, which she joyfully shared with family and friends, particularly during the holidays. Known for her firm but loving nature, she had a way of bringing people together, often through food and laughter.

  Alice and Karl shared a love for travel, visiting Puerto Vallarta for over 40 years, along with trips to the Vatican, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and many other destinations. They were always eager to explore new places and meet new people. They also had a passion for dancing and Alice was often the life of the party.

  Alice’s legacy is one of love, strength, and generosity. She touched countless lives with her warm heart, unwavering dedication, and infectious spirit.

  Alice passed away at Homestead Assisted Living of Denison on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the age of 92 years, six months and 24 days. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Mae Miller (Cliff Miller); husband, Karl Krapfl; children: Lynn Blunk and Ronald Krapfl; sister, Jeanne (Sylvester) Schmitt; brothers: Ray (Gayle), Clarence (Maxine), Louis and Elmer “Buddy”; and son-in-law, Robert Robinson.

  Alice is survived by her children: Deborah Robinson of Converse, Texas, Julie (Nile) Funk of Waverly, Larry (Tracie) Krapfl of Anthon and Kathy (Ross) Thul of Denison; grandchildren: Christina (Michael) Hickey, Rick (Aviana) Robinson, Melannie (Brad) Trees, Andrea (Danny) Moulds, Matthew (Katie Jo) Funk, Jeremy Snell, Jonathan (Zoe) Snell, Joshua (Morgan) Snell, Brandon (Kendra) Krapfl and Kayl (Amy) Krapfl, Austin Thul (Sophia Schultz), Taylor Thul (Chloe Hoagland), Blake (Grace) Thul, Alicia Thul and Gregory Blunk; 17 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Bruce Blunk of Vail; and many other relatives and friends.

  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. with rosary at 12:00 p.m. and visitation from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. all on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Interment will follow in St. Rose Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Dementia Research or St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for a mass intention in Alice’s name at a later date.