Della Ann Stephenson

DELLA ANN STEPHENSON, age 89, of Waterville, Minnesota, formerly of Cherokee, Iowa, died on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. 

Born on April 26, 1935, in Nagle, MO, she was the daughter of Hershal and Beulah (Browne) Evans. Della attended school in Woodward, IA, and graduated from Winterset High School in Winterset, IA with the class of 1953. She continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa where she received her teaching degree. Following her education, she began working as a Kindergarten teacher for a couple years in Iowa. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Merwin Stephenson, and they were united in marriage on September 1, 1957, in Winterset. Together, Della and Robert owned and operated “Stephenson’s Real Estate” in Cherokee for over 20 years. During their time in the real estate business, Della was involved in various civic organizations in the Cherokee community. 

Della loved to garden and for many years would can 200-300 quarts of vegetables and jams every summer. She took pride in her ability to play the drums, loved to waterski, and was known as an amazing seamstress. Della loved every single one of her mutt dogs, and she loved being able to bring her dog with her when she recently moved to Minnesota to be closer to family. She adored her grandchildren, went to every event possible to support them. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Cherokee. 

Della is survived by her children: Robert “Greg” Stephenson of Yakima, WA, Kerry Collins of Chaska, Mitch (Julie) Stephenson of Morristown, and Ted (Luann) Stephenson of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, Aaron, Brad, Andrew, Mark, Eric, Kayla, Collin, Kelsey, Jacob; ten great grandchildren; one great-great grandchildren; sister, Berta Kordick of Winterset; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Georgia (Donald) Bryant; brothers-in-law, Charles Kordick, Clifford Stephenson, and Donald Bryant; sister-in-law, Sherry Breckenridge. 

Graveside Service will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Winterset Cemetery in Winterset, Iowa. 

Memorials preferred to City of Cherokee Magnetic Park Fund.