Mary Lou Tabke

Mary Lou Tabke, age 94, of Moville, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2026 at the Holy Spirit Retirement Home of Sioux City. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 1:30 A.M. at the Moville United Methodist Church of Moville with the Rev. Dr. Eric Z. Sayonkon officiating. A visitation will be held thirty minutes prior to the service starting at 1:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church of Moville.

Mary Lou was born on March 24, 1932, to Lewis and Minnie (Jahn) Sargent. She spent nearly her entire life in the Moville, lowa area where she grew up, raised her family, and made her home until the last five years of her life. 

She attended Moville schools, graduating at the age of 17, and went to work at the local bank.

On May 31, 1953, she married Dwight Tabke following his return from service in the Korean War. Together, they raised five children and built a life around family, farming, and their community. Dwight took particular pride in their purebred Angus cattle and the farm they worked together. 

Mary Lou was a longtime member of the Moville United Methodist Church. She and Dwight also enjoyed being part of the activities and friendships at Meadows Golf Course. 

Mary Lou was rarely one to sit idle. She loved working with her hands and was always making something, whether it was quilting, sewing, knitting, baking, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, or trying her hand at a new craft. Over the years, she made and gave away more than 100 quilts, each one a lasting reminder of her creativity, generosity, and love for those around her.

She is survived by four of her children, Suzanne (Dennis) Desy, Garrett (Rita) Tabke, Shawn (Mary Lou) Tabke, and Brett (Erika) Tabke; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Tabke; nine grandchildren: Jennifer Vit, Brad, Brianne Streck, Tricia Calik, Michelle, Brooke, Tyson, Eleanor, Corinne; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight; her son, Lane Tabke; her parents, Lewis and Minnie Sargent; her sisters, Louise and Clara, and their husbands, Lyle and Wayne; her brother, George, and his wife, Mae Maurene.

Mary Lou leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family she helped build, and countless handmade gifts that will continue to be treasured for generations. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.