Julia L. Koellner, 92, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Kensington in Fort Madison. She was born on February 4, 1933 in Fort Madison, IA to Fred & Catherine (Sandbothe) Wiebler. She married Joseph Patrick Koellner, the love of her life, on May 5, 1951 in Fort Madison, IA. He preceded her in death on August 30, 1994. Julia was a member of Holy Family Parish and the Altar & Rosary Society of the church. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and flowers.
A woman of faith. The family matriarch. A friend to many. Julia's life was guided by her Catholic faith, which provided her comfort and a framework for her daily routine. Her family was her life's work. She was a homemaker and prided herself on making the family's home a place of welcome. Her children and extended family members had great love and respect for her. Various friendships, some lifelong, made Julia's life richer. On the occasion of a recent birthday, friends of all ages shared that she was their "best friend." She made a difference in people's lives.
Julia is survived by: 2-sons: Steven (Agnes) Koellner of Fort Madison, IA & Kevin (Nicole) Koellner of Bettendorf, IA; 4-daughters: Paula (Terry) Friedman of Dubuque, IA, Kathleen Bentler of Carrollton, TX, Christine (Chester) Carrara of LeClaire, IA & Kimberly (Brian) Mendez of Fort Madison, IA; 12-grandchildren: Ann Friedman, Jeffrey Friedman, Carolyn Anderson, Ted Bentler, Fritz Bentler, Matthew Bentler, Ellie Smith, Abby Smith, Jackson Koellner, Mitchell Koellner, Claire Mendez & Seth Mendez; 8-great grandchildren: Gracelyn Anderson, Brynn Anderson, Gene Friedman, Brett Bentler, Audrey Bentler, Thomas Bentler, Brooke Bentler, Otto Bentler & 1-great granddaughter on the way; 2-sisters in law: Mary Ann Koellner of Phoenix, AZ & Patti Koellner of South Bend, IN. She was preceded in death by: her parents, her husband, 1-daughter in infancy: Theresa Lynn Koellner, 1-sister in law: Jane Koellner & 3-brothers in law: Paul, William & John Koellner.
Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 with a rosary to be led by Julia’s four daughters at 3:45 p.m. and the family to receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials have been established for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, Holy Family Parish & Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Online condolences to the Koellner family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the employees at The Kensington and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice for the loving and respectful care they gave to our mother. Rest in Peace, Mom.
