Ethelynn A. Tuel

Ethelynn Ann Tuel, 80, of Fort Dodge, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025, surrounded by her family’s love at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care in West Des Moines, IA after a long battle with Dementia. 

Ethelynn was born on February 19, 1944, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Frederick and Ethel (Scherff) Reeck. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1962 and continued her education at Iowa Central Community College, earning her AA degree. On December 16, 1967, Ethelynn married Kenneth Ray Tuel in Fort Dodge, beginning a marriage built on love and devotion that lasted over five decades. Following Ken's return from Vietnam in 1969, they started a family, raising three children: Chad, Kendra, and Jodie.

Ethelynn was known for her hard work, caring nature, and dedication to her family and loved ones. She ran an in-home daycare and then worked in office administration, in addition to taking on side jobs with her husband, including painting and remodeling homes before they retired. She was often helping or serving others. 

Her faith was at the heart of everything she did. A beloved member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ethelynn was an active participant in the church's Women of St. Paul group and devoted 40 years to teaching Sunday School. She also found joy in fishing, sewing, working in her yard and garden, and taking walks with her sister, Trudy. However, her greatest joy and pride were her grandchildren. Ethelynn's love for them knew no bounds, and she made sure they always felt her affection.

Ethelynn had a unique ability to make others feel special, whether through her thoughtful birthday and anniversary cards, baking dozens of cookies for gatherings, or always having a bowl of popcorn ready for visitors. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity.

Ethelynn is survived by her children: Chad Tuel of Mesa, AZ, Kendra (James) Foster of Gilbert, AZ, and Jodie (Andy) Bice of West Des Moines, IA; 4 grandchildren: Jacie Foster, Trey Foster, Nylah Bice, and Stella Bice; 3 siblings: Trudy Koppen of Fort Dodge, Marty (Pam) Reeck of Humboldt, IA, and Larry (Carolyn) Reeck of Ashland, OR; and 3 sisters-in-law: Patricia Bower of Fort Dodge, Beverly Barlow of Coon Rapids, IA, and Deborah (Ralph) Koelln of Yale, IA. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Timothy (Angie) Tuel of Glidden, IA, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, in 2024; her parents; grandparents; mother and father-in-law; her sister, Kamma Jorgensen; brothers-in-law: Don Hanysh, Jerry Bower, Dana Barlow, James Jorgensen, and Ronald Koppen; nieces: Marie Petersen and Lynn Perucca; and one nephew, Brett Barlow.

Ethelynn will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family extends their gratitude to MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care they provided during the final months of her life. 

A celebration of life for Ethelynn will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 400 S. 13th Street, Fort Dodge, with Rev. Jerry Raether and Rev. Kendall Meyer officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Historic Bruce Funeral Home, 923 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge. Interment will take place at North Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.