Iola M. Muhlbauer

  Iola Mathilda Muhlbauer was born on September 1, 1929, on a farm north of Carroll, Iowa, to Peter B. and Barbara L. (Schulte) O’Tool. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith.

  Iola attended country school for five years before her family moved in to Auburn, where she completed her education through eighth grade. She then continued her studies at St. Angela Academy High School in Carroll, graduating in 1946, before furthering her education at Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing her studies, she worked for the White and Bruner Law Firm in Carroll.

  On March 30, 1948, Iola married William J. Muhlbauer at St. Joseph’s Church in Carroll. Together, they built a life on their farm northeast of Manning, where they raised their children. In 1980, they moved into town. After Bill’s passing on January 4, 1994, following a long illness, Iola remained in their home until recently, when she moved to Manning Senior Living.

  A devoted member of Sacred Heart Church, Iola’s faith was central to her life. She was actively involved in the Sacred Heart Altar Society, served as a CCD catechist, and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Little Flower Study Club. She also gave her time to the Manning Hospital Auxiliary, the Manning Heritage Foundation, and volunteered with the “Speak Up” program at IKM Manning School.

  In her free time, Iola loved to travel, especially on bus trips, and was blessed to make pilgrimages both to Rome and the EWTN Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama.

  On Monday, February 24, 2025, Iola passed away at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, Manning, Iowa. She was 95 years, 5 months and 23 days of age.

  Besides her parents and husband, Iola was preceded in death by twin daughters at birth in 1955; great grandchild, Logan Muhlbauer; brothers and sisters: Wilmer (Rosina) O’Tool, Marvin O’Tool, Ivan (Bernice) O’Tool, Elvira (Clarence) Tiefenthaler, Marcille (Lawrence) Engel, Rose Marie (Jimmie) McAlister; her mother and father-in-law, Charles (Mary Stoberl) Muhlbauer; and in-laws, Charles (Ann) Muhlbauer, Henry (Ruby) Muhlbauer, Sophia (Wayne) Kuhse, Joe (Erna) Muhlbauer, Anthony (Laura) Muhlbauer, Marie (Victor) Wendl, Louis Muhlbauer, Roseanne (Wes) Nulle.

  Iola is survived by her children: Allen (Paula) Muhlbauer of Manning, Lois (Robert) McCarty of Peterson, James (Jerri) Muhlbauer of Manning, Leon (Denise) Muhlbauer of Glidden, Dale (Gail) Muhlbauer of Pine Haven, WY, Neil (Anne) Muhlbauer of Manning, and Chris Muhlbauer (Stacey Schrock) of Ankeny; 21 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild on the way; sister-in-law, Phyllis Muhlbauer of Denison; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

  Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Time of Sharing, all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.