Marilyn J. Svestka

GARNAVILLO, IOWA

Marilyn “Mitz” J. Svestka, 76, of Garnavillo, Iowa passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Guttenberg Care Center with her family by her side.

Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo. Visitation will continue at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo with burial in Garnavillo City Cemetery.

Mitz was born on April 20, 1947, at the family home in Guttenberg, Iowa, the daughter of LeVerl and Ilo (Nuehring) Rodenberg. She was the second child of six children: Karilyn, Janet, Bill, Robert and Brian.

She was united in marriage to Bryce Neverman on November 18, 1967. One daughter, Lori was born to this union. They later divorced. She married Alvin Svestka on January 23, 1988.

Mitz had many occupations throughout her life. Notable were her years working for Pattison Sand, Lands End and being a slot attendant at the Casino Queen in McGregor. She was very proud of the fact that she worked up until the age of 74.

Mitz was an avid quilter and cross stitcher. She quilted a baby quilt for each baby that was born into the family. She also enjoyed a little gambling with the Buffalo slots being her favorite. Cards were another pastime that she enjoyed. Mitz was fond of hosting the family Thanksgiving every year with around 50 family members and friends attending.

Mitz had a big heart and loved her family. She would do anything for them. If you stopped at her house there was always a cold beer waiting.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori Creery (Mark Herman); grandchildren: Nicholas (Ramey) Creery, Libby (Josh) Knoll; great-grandchildren: Quentin and Emersyn; siblings: Karilyn (Matt Esser) McArthur, Janet Christianson, Bill (Bev) Rodenberg, Vickie Rodenberg and Brian (Vicki) Rodenberg; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bryce and Alvin; brother, Robert Rodenberg; and brother-in-law, Steven Christianson.

The family would like to thank everyone at St. Croix Hospice, Guttenberg Care Center, and Guttenberg Municipal Hospital for the wonderful care she was given in her last months.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.