Funeral services for Earl will take place on Monday, March 29 at 2:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 29 from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Military honors will be provided at Riverside Cemetery following the service by the combined VFW / American Legion Honor Guard of the surrounding area. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Earl Ignatius Staebler was born on September 11, 1926 in Geddes, South Dakota to parents Arthur and Priscilla (Augustine) Staebler. In his youth, he excelled in AAU basketball and was honored in the Iowa Hall of Fame. Earl graduated from St. Mary High School in 1944 and went on to attend a trade school in Chicago. Shortly thereafter he served his country honorably in the United States Army.

After meeting the love of his life, Marilyn Nolta, they were united in marriage on November 25, 1951 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Together they settled down in Marshalltown, where they raised their five beautiful daughters. Always the gentleman, Earl was loving and genuine. He was a rock for his family, helping them through many challenges over the years. He raised his daughters to be strong, kind women, just as he was strong yet kind.

Earl’s hardworking demeanor and skill with his hands led to a career in construction, dedicating over 43 years to R.D. Stewart Construction, as well as a personal enjoyment for the craft. He loved remodeling for others and even rebuilt the house where he raised his family. When he wasn’t hard at work, Earl enjoyed all sports, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Marshalltown Elks Lodge and American Legion.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 69 years, Marilyn Staebler; his children: Karla Sue (Don) Holt, Kay Marie (Charles) Sjodergren, Kathy Jo (Dennis) McClure, Kris Ann Staebler and Karen Louise (Allen) Steenhoek; grandchildren: Brian Holt, Robert Sjodergren, John Sjodergren, Andrew McClure, Emily Jackson, Jody McClure, Justin Steenhoek and Joshua Steenhoek; 8 great-grandchildren and his sister, LaVonne Shearer.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Louise Steenhoek; siblings: Glenn (Mildred) Staebler and Irene (LeRoy) Schrader; and brother-in-law, Harry Shearer.