Memorial

Evelyn Hadsell Keller, 104, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa died on Saturday, July 24, 2021.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  Graveside services will follow the visitation at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Evelyn was born February 22, 1917, in Cedar Rapids.  She attended the original Harrison Elementary School which burned down two weeks after she graduated from sixth grade.  She attended Roosevelt Jr. High, and then Grant High School.  Her class was the last to graduate from Grant, in January 1935.  

Evelyn grew up across the street from the present Harrison school, right down the hill from the woods which is now part of the MethWick campus.  The house was built by her father/ grandfather and is still standing.  She used to catch crayfish (crawdads) in the creek running through the area, and she and her dad often fished in the Robins Lake area, which supplied some of their meat during the Depression years.

Evelyn played violin and viola for a time in the Cedar Rapids Symphony when Professor Joe Kitchen was conductor.

Evelyn Hadsell married Glenn Keller in October 1935 and was married 43 years, until his death in March 1979.

She worked for 5 years at Iowa Mfg. Co. (later Terex) as a company photographer for Howard Hall.  She then worked over 40 years at Russell’s Guides Printing Co., first in the bindery and then in the office. 

She has been in every state of the U.S., up to Point Barrow, Alaska, Canada, and a few other countries.  While fishing in Alaska she caught a 101# Halibut.  She and her husband camped extensively and loved climbing in the Grand Teton Mountains.

Evelyn was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, All Church Singles Group, NARFE, and NALC auxiliary.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Lee Stephenson; granddaughter, Jodi Stephenson, and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Harriett Nye Hadsell, her husband Glenn Keller, her granddaughter Leslie Stephenson, son-in-law Ray Stephenson, and her best friend Dave Springer.

Evelyn and her family thank the nursing staff, dietary staff, and residents at Living Center West for their care, concern, and friendships over the last 6 years.  Thanks also to the caring Hospice nursing staff and volunteers.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Camp Courageous or the charity of your choice, especially the animal shelters and rescues.