In Memory of Florence Lucille Stevenson

Florence Lucille Stevenson, age 95, of Galva, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Odebolt Specialty Care of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Silver Creek United Methodist Church of rural Galva, Iowa. Pastor Nancy Peterson will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Galva Township East Cemetery of Galva, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with an Eastern Star service at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Florence Lucille Stevenson was born on June 13, 1927, in Silver Creek Township, Galva, Iowa.  She was the oldest of three daughters born to George and Margaret (Hall) Dunlap. A life long member of the Silver Creek United Methodist Church, Florence was baptized on May 6, 1928 and later confirmed on May 24, 1940. She was united in marriage on September 2, 1951, to Garold W. Stevenson with all events taking place in the Silver Creek United Methodist Church. Florence and Garold were blessed with two children: Jeffrey and Marilyn.

For her entire life, Florence lived on the family farm that she was born on. She attended country school for eight years at Silver Creek #6 country school. She went on to further her education at Arthur High School graduating with the class of 1944. Florence received her Bachelors of Arts degree in education from Buena Vista College in 1969.

Florence began her career as an elementary school teacher. Over the years she taught at Silver Creek #5 country school, Grand Meadow, Schaller, Arthur, and Galva–Holstein for a total of 36 years before retiring in June of 1992. 

In her free time Florence enjoyed traveling, sewing, and reading. She traveled in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Asia. She belonged to the United Methodist Women of which she held many offices. She was also a past Sioux City District Officer. Florence was a part of the Arthur, Iowa, chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star serving as secretary for the 29 years and receiving her lifetime membership in 1994.

Florence also belonged to the Galva Legion Auxiliary, Galva Civic Club, Cook Merry Gardeners, and Delta Kappa Gama. 

Survivors include her son Jeffrey Stevenson of Galva, IA and daughter Marilyn Leopold of Sleepy Eye, MN; grandsons Chris Leopold of Sleepy Eye, MN and Eric (Heather) Leopold of New Ulm, MN; great granddaughters Kayla and Andrea of New Ulm, MN; sister Mary Nelson of Des Moines, IA; brother-in-law Leslie Rath of Denison, IA; sister-in-law Bernie Stevenson of Ankeny, IA; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Garold Stevenson; parents George and Margaret Dunlap; son-in-law Kevin Leopold; sister Marguerite Rath; and brothers-in-law Bob Nelson, Theo (Mildred) Stevenson, and Merlin Stevenson.