Una E. Englund, 84, of Davenport passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 4 – 7pm at Weerts Funeral Home. Funeral services to honor her life will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 10:30am at Newcomb Presbyterian Church, 2619 N. Division St Davenport, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or a scholarship for future educators in her name at Davenport Schools Foundation at 1702 Main St Davenport, IA 52803 or online at www.davenportschools.org/foundation/donate
Una was born on March 12, 1939 in Fontanelle, Iowa to Daniel and Nora Kimes. She met and married the love of her life, Gary Englund on July 24, 1965. Una was a dedicated mother and wife first and foremost. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them; she especially loved her role as Grandma. She had a caring and kind personality and always made those around her smile. Una and Gary traveled for many years with their family, camping all over the US, visiting friends and family. They loved to spend their winters in Port Aransas, Texas where they created memories with a wonderful group of people who became loving friends. Una thoroughly enjoyed playing BINGO, second hand shopping, and making scrubbies to support the work at her church. Her favorite seat was right next to her husband at her grandchildren’s events. She was so proud of her family and the love she shared with them.
For 30+ years, she was a teacher and substitute teacher. She graduated from Parsons College after saving money to attend. Una began her teaching career at Pleasant View Elementary School in Bettendorf. She returned to teaching after staying home with her children. She then went to work at Fillmore Elementary School and then “retired” from Jackson Elementary. Her time was dedicated to substitute teaching until 2019 when she officially retired. Teaching suited her servant’s heart from the classroom to her church. You could find her in front of the children during Vacation Bible School, children’s sermons, and all other youth ministries at Newcomb. Her life was a living example of the Bible verse Ephesian 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Una was kind and cared deeply for the people around her.
Una is survived by her husband Gary; children: Eric Englund, Darla (Michael) Witt, Tonya (Mike) Wilkins, and Travis (Mikki) Englund; grandchildren Andrew Witt, Kelsie & Tyler Massey, Natalie & Zack Howell, Miya & Macie Wilkins, Tatum & Tyler Englund and Carson Eikenberry; two great-grandchildren Oliver and Beau Massey; bonus grandchildren; siblings Dale (Janice) Kimes, and Norene (Sean) Kimes, brother-in-law Marvin Stamp, sister-in-law Maylon (Tom) Murphy, sister-in-law Darlene (Bill) DeMao; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Nora Kimes; sister Nadine Kimes; mother-in-law Tereso Englund; and sister-in-law Eileen (Vonnie) Stamp.
Una made an impact on many lives and will be forever missed. As she would always say, “this is not goodbye, but see you later”.
