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IvaNell G. Dinan

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IvaNell Grace (Kenneally) Dinan of Elkader, age 100, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, from complications of Covid-19. IvaNell was born on March 11, 1921. Her parents were David and Adeline (Dillon) Kenneally. IvaNell attended school in Strawberry Point and Elkader, graduating from Elkader with a normal training certificate. IvaNell taught in country schools, including Wadena and at the Dinan School near Littleport. 

 

On May 26, 1942, she married John Dinan. Their family included Janice, their son Richard, daughter Donna and son James. IvaNell taught at St. Patrick’s Parochial School in Monona for two years, then moved on to teach at Guttenberg, teaching for a total 28 years. 

 

A graduate of Upper Iowa University, along with teaching, she began graduate classes at the University of Iowa. She ceased classes in 1972 when John was killed, as she then assumed added duties running the farm in addition to her teaching duties. 

 

She was active politically, serving several positions for the Clayton County Democrats. She was also a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association. 

 

IvaNell, along with her family, attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Littleport, where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. When that church closed, she attended St. Michael’s in Garber, also active in Altar and Rosary Society. IvaNell also attended mass at Sacred Heart Church in Volga and St. Joseph’s in Elkader, often enjoying morning masses during the week. She was a charitable person, often driving friends and family members to appointments. 

 

Gardening, both vegetable and flower, were hobbies she enjoyed, particularly after her retirement from teaching. She canned countless jars of tomatoes, which she shared with family. Reading was her passion, and she enjoyed several books a week. Time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a joy for her. 

 

IvaNell will be dearly missed by daughters Jan (John) Swanson of Lake Oswego, Ore., and Donna (the late David) Gerling of Columbus Junction; sons Richard (Betty) Dinan of Elkader, and Jim (Susan) Dinan of Edgewood; five grandchildren, Heather Swanson, Greg (Maria Andrea) Gerling, Ryan (Stacey) Gerling, Aaron (Lenna) Dinan and Shannon Dinan; and great-grandchildren Madison, Jonathan, Jayson and Ayden Dinan, Lucas Gerling and Chase Gerling, as well as several step great-grandchildren. 

 

She was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents; brothers, Thomas, Joe (Mary), Leo, Edward and Gary Kenneally; sisters, Marguerite (Charlie) Neylan, Anita (John) Cowie and Kathryn (Stephen) Leonard; and nieces and nephews. 

 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader, with Rev. John Haugen officiating. Visitation will be one hour before mass at the church. Interment will be immediately following at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  

 

Leonard Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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