Evelyn Turczynski

Evelyn B. Turczynski, 86, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away at home unexpectedly on Monday, June 7, 2021. Evelyn was born on April 12, 1935, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Sebastian A. and Theresa (Reinke) Dillenburg. Evelyn was a graduate of Lourdes High School, Chicago, IL. She married Thomas J. Turczynski on May 5, 1956, in Chicago, IL. Evelyn was a secretary for a pilot's association, assisted Tom with the businesses he owned while living in Chicago, and was a stay-at-home mom to their four sons. In 1974, they left the city life to move to a farm outside of Monona, IA. Evelyn embraced farm life and enjoyed tending her gardens of flowers and vegetables, most of which were started in her own greenhouse. She was a talented cook and baker. At age 50, she fulfilled a personal goal by graduating from Northeast Iowa Technical Institute, Calmar, IA, with an RN degree at the top of her class. Evelyn and Tom moved to Rochester, MN in 1990, where she worked as a RN and diabetic counselor at St. Mary's Hospital at the Mayo Clinic for ten years. They moved to Ocala, FL, in 1998, until moving one final time, to Cedar Rapids, IA in 2019. Through the years, Evelyn and Tom enjoyed traveling, with Rome one of the highlights of their journeys. She enjoyed playing Mahjong with friends and was an avid reader. She was very proud of the achievements of her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Tom; children, Mark (Diane) of Elizabeth, IL, Craig (Rosa) of Van Alstyne, TX, Scott (Anita) of Elkhart, IA, and Jeffrey of Wentzville, MO; grandchildren, Michael (Marni) Turczynski, Seth (London) Turczynski, Alexa (Joseph) Dodd, Daniel Turczynski, Luke Turczynski, Max Turczynski, and Ruth Turczynski; great-grandchildren Asher and Ronan Dodd. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; two sisters; and one granddaughter, Anna Turczynski. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church. Funeral Mass: 10:30 am on Friday, June 11, 2021, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 4- 6 pm on Thursday, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Private family burial: Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa.