Coriene Tevis

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Coriene Regena (Crapser) Tevis, who entered eternal rest on September 19, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on August 22, 1936, in Mason City, Iowa, Coriene was the second of two cherished daughters of Bruce Albert Crapser and Veronica (Verona) Emerlinda (Jansen) Heddens Crapser.

She grew up in Mason City and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1954. Afterwards, she attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, where she studied office management, bookkeeping, and accounting, then began her professional career at GMAC. From an early age, she carried a heart full of compassion and a steadfast devotion to family, community, and faith.

On December 29, 1956, Coriene married Evan Jacob “Jake” Tevis at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. Together they shared 30 years of marriage filled with faith, hard work, and adventure—raising eight children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and memories. Coriene relied on “duck-tape Dad” and his sense of humor to fix whatever was broken, and together they enjoyed weekend camping trips to area parks and summer vacations to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.

When Jake passed away in 1987, Coriene, then only 51, took on the mantle of both parents. She earned her driver’s license for the first time, worked full-time jobs, maintained the family home, and continued raising their youngest child Jeremy. Through it all, she remained a steady and loving presence.

Family was always at the center of her world. She was the kind of mom who baked countless dozens of cookies—many of which disappeared before reaching the freezer—served as a Boy Scout den mother, faithfully gathered her family for church each week, and opened her home and heart to neighborhood children who thought of her as a “second mom.” Her hugs, her wisdom (gentle or not-so-gentle), and her quiet strength shaped generations.

Coriene was deeply devoted to her faith and to her parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. Over the years she served as church secretary and receptionist, managed finances, organized funeral dinners, sang in the choir, served as a cantor, and participated in ladies’ crafting circles. Each morning began with her Bible and devotional over coffee, and throughout the day she lifted loved ones up in prayer. She cared deeply for the priests she served, always calling them “her boys,” and lived each day with the anticipation of one day being home with Jesus.

Her giving spirit was evident in everything she did. Rarely seen without her crocheting bag, she created afghans, baby blankets, hats, and mittens to mark milestones or simply to bless someone in need. In her later years, she dedicated herself to making hundreds of lap robes for the Veterans Home in Marshalltown, quietly offering warmth and gratitude to those who served.

Coriene was also an adventurer at heart. A lifetime member of FCRV (Family Campers and RV’ers), she and Jake joined the Wigwam-n-Wagon Campers in Mason City in 1967 and became part of the National Campers and Hikers Association the following year. Through the Heartlanders of Iowa and the Marshall County Vagabonds chapters, she held leadership roles, organized “campventions,” and built lifelong friendships. She loved traveling the country, making memories around the campfire, and always had a special fondness for s’mores.

Coriene is survived by her children, Jay Tevis of Tampa, Florida, Jim (Julie) Tevis of Marion, Iowa, Jayne (Deacon Dan) Rouse of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Joe (Justine) Tevis of Omaha, Nebraska, Jeremy Tevis (Kristen Wilson) of Noblesville, Indiana; son-in-law, Bob Walston of Fort Dodge, Iowa; niece, Teri (Ron) Gustin of Clear Lake, Iowa; and brother-in-law, Marlan Tevis of Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Her grandchildren: Kristen Tevis; Shawn (Vanessa) Tevis; Rachel Tevis; Lindsey Tevis; Benjamin (Amanda) Tevis; Leah Tevis; Collin Tevis (Kaysi Wells); Dustin Tevis (Kate Block); Brennen (Dakota) Tevis; James Walston; Joseph (Jada) Walston; Amy Walston; Father Jacob Rouse; Joshua Rouse; Kameren Tevis; Alyssa (Jeff) Jackson; Kailey, Kaiden, Keziah, and Kyler Tevis.

Her great-grandchildren: Lexi Higdon; Lizzie Timp; Will Walston; Wyatt Jackson; Bennett Jackson; Sophia Tevis; Presley Jo Tevis; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Evan Jacob (Jake) Tevis; sons Joshua George Tevis and John Bruce Tevis; daughter Jean Elizabeth (Walston) Tevis; daughter-in-law Jackie Lee Tevis; her parents; brother John Crapser; sister Teresa (Crapser) Walk; brother-in-law Everett Walk; brother-in-law Ellsworth Tevis; sister-in-law Mary Tevis; and sister-in-law Janet Tevis.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Tom Spartz, who became “one of her boys.” Coriene was there for Tom when he needed someone, and in return he faithfully visited or called her each week. His kindness and devotion meant the world to her, and we are forever grateful.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the nurses, staff, and residents at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion, IA, where Coriene made her home for the past eight years. Their kindness and care became like family to her and to us.

Memorials may be directed to the Coriene Tevis family or to a charity of your choice in her honor.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the legacy Coriene leaves behind—a life defined by unconditional love, service, faith, and joy.

Rest in peace, Mom. You will forever be our guiding star.