Avalene Ehlinger

Avalene “Avie” Ehlinger, 86 of Bernard passed away peacefully Friday February 5, 2021 at Maquoketa Care Center.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday February 10th at 11:30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Maquoketa.  Visitation for family and relatives will be held prior to the mass from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. at the Church. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery, South Garryowen following. For your safety and that of the family, masks and social distancing will be expected. 

Avalene Mary Small was born July 4, 1934, daughter of Carlisle and Mary Small.

She married Cyril Ehlinger September 16, 1952. They built a life farming together and raising their 8 children.  Avie’s love for her husband, celebrations of holidays and get togethers were the highlight of her life before he passed away in 2011. 

Avie always had fresh baked goodies, and made the best whoopie pies. She lovingly referred to those closest to her as lil’ rascals.  Her grandkids were always entertained by her playing games with them, dancing to country music, spoiling them and making sure they could have anything they ever wanted or doing anything that they ever wanted to do.  Avie always showered her children and grandchildren with so much love, she made all around her feel loved and cared for.  Her love will not be forgotten by her children and grandchildren.

Avie will be lovingly remembered by her children Randy and Grey Ehlinger, Sandi (and Jeff) Mason, Lynn (and Sharon) Ehlinger, Lori (and Dave) Serrano.  Her 12 Grandchildren Tonya Flenker, Craig Ehlinger, Chelsea Robinson, Christa Oldham, Jack and Ben Mason, and Nicholas, Natalie, Nathaniel, Nolan, and Nora Ehlinger along with her 6 Great Grandchildren Christain Flenker and Cayden Oestern, Tanner and Tayler Ehlinger, Louella Robinson, and Everleigh Runge who were blessed to be spoiled by her unending love and will never forget her fun loving spirit.

Avie is also survived by Sisters Carmie Decker, of Bernard, Teresa Hosch of Maquoketa, Brother Loras (and Margie) Small of Bellevue, and Sister-in-law Shirley Small of Maquoketa. Brother in law Kenny Ehlinger of Vinton.

While the family grieves her loss, they take comfort in knowing that she and her loving husband Cyril are together again, and can only imagine the warm welcome Avie received by loved ones and children that have passed before her – her sons Gary and Phil Ehlinger, Daughter Debra Oldham and Grandson Keith Oldham.  Also preceding her in death were parents Carlisle and Mary Small, siblings Clarence (and Shirley) Small, Claire Small, Brother in laws Ignatius McDonnell, and Richard Hosch, and several members of the Ehlinger Family.

The family is grateful to facility staff at Maquoketa Care Center whom Avie lovingly referred to most of the time as “Ma’am”.  The staff always made sure she had a Small family reunion Coozie during her Happy Hours, and cared for her lovingly throughout the pandemic when family was unable to be there in person. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Avalene Ehlinger, please visit our floral store.