Muriel Mae Steva

Muriel Mae (Franzen) Steva, 79, died on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Friendship Village in Waterloo.

She was born September 6, 1944, in rural Bremer County, the daughter of Matthias and Laura (Garbes) Franzen. She attended school in Plainfield and was a 1962 graduate from Plainfield High School. After graduating, Muriel originally went to cosmetology school and worked at Pitze's Beauty Salon, Waterloo. Her journey led her to Clear Lake, where she met Vernon A. Steva, and they shared many wonderful memories. The couple was united in marriage on August 23,1968, at Grace Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Muriel later became the owner, operator, and administrator of Milvern Guest Home for the next 32 years, before retiring.

In addition to being a certified beautician, business owner and administrator, she was an accomplished airplane pilot. A passion she shared with her husband, both of whom enjoyed piloting and owning their own plane.

Muriel also enjoyed wintering in Florida, fishing with her husband, riding a motorcycle, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. All who knew Muriel would say she was one of the kindest, most giving people they were blessed to know, and this world was a much better place with her in it!

Muriel is survived by son, Ray Douglas Steva of Waterloo (granddaughter, Mariah and two great-grandchildren) and daughter, TaJohnna "T.J." (Christy) Steva of Des Moines. Also, Muriel was an amazing (step) mother and was loved and cherished deeply by her five (step) children: Merle Steva of Waterloo, Cynthia (Gene) Minikus of Moravia, Mark (Debbie) Steva of Las Vegas, NV, Vernon Steva of Hudson, and Denise (Frank) Bruno Aurora, IL; twelve step-grandchildren and seventeen step-great-grandchildren. As well as six sisters: Norma Nolting of Fredericksburg, Eleanor (Don) Storjohann of Cedar Falls, Laura Ann (Bill) Pride of Charles City, Carolyn Cole of Bonita Springs, FL, Glenda Endelman of New Hampton, and Debra Thompson (Jerry Roth) of Cedar Falls; five brothers: Matthias "Butch" (Nancy) Franzen of Waverly, David (Catalina) Franzen of Plainfield, Donald (Kathy) Franzen of Plainfield, Steven Franzen of Plainfield, and Dennis (Kim) Franzen of Plainfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon on September 23, 2014; a sister, Dorothy Franzen; two brothers, Edward Franzen and Daniel A. Franzen; two sisters-in-law, Dona Franzen and Connie Franzen; and one brother-in-law, Don Cole.

Services: 12:00 PM, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church.

Visitation: 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday, January 15, 2024, at Locke on 4th, 1519 West 4th St., Waterloo

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com.