Elisabeth Dezsi

Elisabeth Dezsi, 92, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, in her home, to join her husband Zoltan Dezsi, who passed away in 1961. Burial took place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Elisabeth Lina Imberger was born December 5, 1926, in Baiersbronn-Kniebis, Germany, to Wilhelm and Lina (Moser) Imberger. She was married on December 8, 1950, to Zoltan Dezsi in Freudenstadt, Germany. They came to America in 1951 to work for Angevine and Van Vechten Shaffer as a cook and housekeeper. Elisabeth was fluent in four different languages. Until she was fluent in English, she would speak French to Mrs. Shaffer and translate to Hungarian for her husband. When Zoltan passed, Elisabeth became both cook and housekeeper for the Shaffers, sometimes cooking dinners for over 100 guests in the Shaffer's home. Cooking was her passion, she was always making cookies and other delicacies for friends and family. Elisabeth became special friends with Norma Kirby as they went to doctor appointments and always out to lunch afterwards. Later in life when her health deteriorated, bed ridden, and unable to speak, she touched many hearts with her eyes. Survivors include her only daughter, Rose Dezsi-Kirby and son-in-law Randy Kirby, who was very much like her own son, both of Cedar Rapids; sister, Margarete Stamm and several nieces and nephews, all of Germany. Elisabeth was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Werner Imberger; and sister, Ruth Jager. A special thanks goes out to her home health care nurse, Melanie Neuendorf, who provided dedicated care for over six years, and volunteers Al Fisher and Pam Selk. They all became special friends to Elisabeth and her family. 'Mama, we will always love and miss you.'