Edna Bernadine Stiefel

Edna Bernadine Stiefel age 73 of New Hampton, IA, died Friday, March 20, 2026, at her home.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton, with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Hampton.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation continues one hour before the Memorial Mass at the church on Friday.

Edna Bernadine Stiefel, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away on March 20, 2026, in New Hampton, IA. Born on March 30, 1952, in the serene rural setting of Chickasaw County, IA. The daughter of Wilfred and Adella (Tillman) Tieskotter. Edna’s journey through life was marked by dedication, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

A proud graduate of Turkey Valley High School in 1970, Edna’s life took a joyful turn when she met Lee Stiefel at a wedding dance. The couple’s love story blossomed, leading to their marriage on August 29, 1970, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. Together, they welcomed two children, Sherri and Sheldon, who became the center of Edna’s world.

In New Hampton, Edna started an in-home daycare, where for ten years she cared for young children with patience and nurturing grace. Her passion for learning led her back to school, where she obtained a secretarial degree from Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, subsequently working as a secretary for Dr. Cronk the chiropractor. However, Edna’s thirst for education was insatiable, leading her to the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree.

With her advanced education, Edna began a fulfilling career as a professor at NICC in Calmar, teaching in the Business department. She thrived in the academic environment, inspiring and shaping the minds of her students until her retirement in 2018. Edna’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her through every decision and action with love and kindness.

Edna’s passion extended beyond her professional endeavors to her interests, which included an avid love for flower gardening. Her home was always adorned with the most beautiful flower beds, a testament to her green thumb and creative spirit. She also found joy in crocheting, crafting intricate pieces that she generously shared with her family.

Community involvement was another aspect of Edna’s life where she shone brightly. She served as a 4H and Girl Scout leader, instilling values and skills in the youth. Her affiliations with the Red Hat Ladies, Garden Club, and the Legion Auxiliary were marked by enthusiastic participation and leadership.

Above all, Edna cherished her role as a grandmother, reveling in every opportunity to support her grandchildren in their activities and sporting events. Her family was her lifeblood, and she poured her heart and soul into nurturing those relationships.

Edna Bernadine Stiefel will be remembered as a loving, faith-filled, and kind soul who touched the lives of many. Her legacy of love, commitment to education, and service to her community will continue to flourish in the hearts of those who knew her.

Edna is survived by her two children, Sherri (Bill) Holland of Decorah, IA, and Sheldon Stiefel of New Hampton, IA; two grandchildren, Joseph and Camryn Holland of Decorah, IA; three brothers, Larry Sluss of Littleton, CO, John (Carmelita) Tieskotter of Conway, MO, Donald (Sharon) Tieskotter of Rochester, MN; four sisters, Rita Gullord of Waterloo, IA, Norma (Louie) Hawkins of Lawler, IA, Donna (Tom) Vollenweider of Waterloo, IA, and Diane (Dan) Gardner of Elma, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lee in 2009; one sister-in-law, Karen Sluss, and one brother-in-law, Dale Gullord.