Ellen Marie Stapella

Ellen Marie Stapella (Lynch) died peacefully on March 2nd, 2025, with her loving husband Stan Stapella by her side.

Ellen was born August 20th, 1939, in Grundy Center, to Michael and Patricia Lynch. Ellen grew up in Waterloo and graduated from East High School. Ellen met Stan while they were both working at Bishop’s Cafeteria. They married on June 14, 1958, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Ellen was a loving mother to six children and was a proud Registered Nurse and graduate of Allen School of Nursing in 1976. Ellen viewed nursing as a vocation, and helping people recover from illness was one of her greatest joys. She was a nurse for over 30 years.

Ellen and Stan enjoyed living in Las Vegas for ten years, a place that remained special to her, and where she and Stan frequently visited up until the last few years of her life. Ellen was an avid reader and always enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Ellen loved having cats on their acreage, and frequently one of these cats would find a new home inside. Above all, Ellen enjoyed her role of Nana and spending time with her family. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren provided her with immense joy. Ellen was a lifelong Catholic and was faithful in praying for her family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Dennis, Kevin, and Barry Lynch.

Ellen is survived by her husband Stan of 66 years, brothers: Vincent Lynch (Mary Anne) of Austin, MN, Nathan Hoppes (Jeanette) of Waterloo, and sister-in-law Mary Lynch of La Porte City, her children: Paul Stapella (Liz) of Waterloo, Laurie Reicherts (Russ) of Waterloo, Steven Stapella (Lisa) of St. Charles, Il, James Stapella (Beverly) of Bueford, SC, Mary Lothe (Eric) of Urbandale, and John Stapella of Grundy Center; her grandchildren: Lisa Stapella (Michael), Kelly Stapella (Andy), Bethany Michael (Andy), Marcus Knief, Sarah Patterson (Ben), Aaron Reicherts (Cari), Rick Reicherts (Katie), Austin Stapella (Becky), Audra Stapella, Arden Stapella, Jessica Stapella, Hannah Stapella (James), Allison Matychuk (Stephen), Joseph Lothe (Alexandra), Anna Lothe, Phillip Lothe, Valerie Hack (Kris) and Alex Stapella; as well as many beloved great-grandchildren.

Ellen’s funeral service will be held at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11:30 AM with visitation from 10-11:30 prior to the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Allen College Scholarship fund.