Evelyn Mary (Stierman) Boland “Evie”, 94, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully Tuesday April 22, 2025, at The Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday April 28, 2025, at St. Rapheal’s Cathedral in Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Quint officiating and Deacon John Stierman. Burial will follow at Mt Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, is assisting the family.

Evie was born in Dubuque, Iowa, February 5th, 1931, to Leo and Mary (Gulash) Stierman. She graduated from Holy Ghost Elementary School and Immaculate Concepcion Academy. She married James C. Boland in June 1954.

Evie worked as a server at Sportsman’s lounge; worked with Dr. Feurste; as well as the telephone company before committing herself to raising her family. She was loved for her friendly and sociable nature. Evie was a cherished babysitter who impacted numerous families and children, many of whom became lifelong friends.

She was an avid sports fan and influenced her love of sports onto her children. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan as well as the Iowa Hawkeyes, rarely missing a game on TV. Evie was an accomplished bowler who loved to compete in league and tournament play. Over the years, she has received numerous individual accolades as well as team honors. She looked forward to the March Madness tournament every year, faithfully filling out her brackets and tracking her favorite team’s progress! She loved to play cards and was a shrewd Euchre partner!

You could say that Evie enjoyed a game of chance from time to time! She always looked forward to a trip to “the boat”, where she enjoyed a surprising level of good fortune, including just last week with her children happily by her side!

She is survived by her sons; James L. Boland of Plymouth, WI, Robert R. Boland of Dubuque, IA, and Daniel J. Boland of Clemmons, NC, her daughters; Rita E. Drury of Dubuque, IA, and Michele P. Boland of Dubuque, IA, her brother; Richard (Jeanne) Stierman, and sister; Marylyn (James) Maas of Dubuque, IA, the Hafeman family, grandchildren; Ryan Leo Boland, Shana Key Krings, James Freedom Boland, Albert Boland, Michael Boland, Erin Boland, as well as several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Evie was preceded in death by her husband James C. Boland, two sons, Michael P. Boland, and Richard T. Boland, brothers: Laverne (Esther) Stierman, and Eddie (Betty) Stierman, and her special friend and partner Walt Hafeman.

Evie and her family would like to say a special Thank You to the many nurses, aids, specialists, and therapists who made such a big impact on her happiness and quality of life while residing at The Hawkeye Care Center! Mom always felt safe, comfortable, and well cared for. You made a positive difference in her life and for that we are profoundly grateful!