Lucena C. Phelps

Lucena Caroline Phelps, 90, of Elkader, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025, at her niece’s home in Elkader.  She was born March 6, 1935, in Elkport, to Harold “Harley” and Uylanda M. (Miller) Gentz. She attended country school near Mederville through eighth grade.

She was united in marriage to Wayne Phelps on April 9, 1951, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. He passed away on June 9, 1991. She later dated Ray Morman and he also passed away. 

Lucena helped on the family farm all of her life. She was a cook at Dutch’s Restaurant in Elkader and various restaurants in the area. Most recently, she served as a CNA at the Strawberry Point Nursing Home. She was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, a member of Farm Service, Allamakee-Clayton REC and other co-ops. She also enjoyed being an active member of Elkader Legion Auxiliary Post 106.

She enjoyed fishing, boating, her cows, cats, garden and cutting wood.

Lucena is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne; significant other, Ray; two sisters, Alberta Horstman and Arlene Hakert; and one brother, Vernie Gentz.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 19, from 10 until 11 a.m., at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home, with Rev. Paula  Anderson officiating. Interment will be at 2 p.m., at Strawberry Point Cemetery, Strawberry Point.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home of Elkader is assisting the family.