Ursula M. Condon Newkirk

Ursula M. Condon Newkirk, 77, of Fort Dodge passed away Friday, August 25, 2017 at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart, the Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Patrick Behm, officiating. Burial will be in Corpus Christi Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday, August 28, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home with a Rosary at 4:00 PM and a Vigil beginning at 6:00 PM all at the funeral home. Ursula Marie Condon entered this world August 10,1940 the oldest child of Gene and Margaret Condon. She would be followed by 4 more sisters and two brothers. She grew up on farms near Clare. Growing up in a small-town community with 6 siblings, she learned caring, sharing and responsibility. Her education began in Barnum and continued at St. Matthews in Clare when her parents transferred her in 5th grade. She continued her education here until high school graduation in 1953. During this time, she participated in drama, speech, chorus, band and cheer leading. Although she did play the clarinet, her greatest love was the piano. She played throughout her educational career as an accompanist for choruses, plays and liturgies. Following high school graduation, Ursula entered the convent of the Sisters of the Presentation in Dubuque, IA. While in the convent, Ursula received her college degrees from Clarke College and was licensed as a lifelong educator for the state of Iowa. She made many lifelong friends with members of the Congregation and was always grateful for the opportunities they provided her to grow spiritually academically, professionally, and socially. In 1970, Ursula returned to the lay life. She moved to the Twin Cities where she spent most of the next thirty years as a teacher and administrator for the Archdiocese there. She was principal for the Fort Dodge Catholic School system from 1991-1998. In 2001, she retired and returned to Fort Dodge where she spent the remainder of her life. Big city living was not for her. In 2011, she married John Newkirk, Sr. Ursula considered this one of the greatest blessings in her life. They shared so many interests, especially their faith, and were grateful for every day they could share. She and John shared their home with two Boston Terriers, Puddles and Taz. Ursula also enjoyed tremendously times with her family. In 2014, Ursula was diagnosed with incurable cancer. After that, "one day at a time" became very real as she never knew how she would feel when she woke up. Although cancer made traveling distances impossible, she was still so happy when she could be with her family. She and John entertained his family for holiday meals and good times. She was grateful John's family were so welcoming. Among her many interests were reading, puzzles and involvement in Church ministries. John and she shared a love of gardening and enjoyed sharing their produce with others. In some ways, it reminded her of how much she loved country life. Ursula always felt blessed at having good friends who were so helpful and supportive as well as sharing great fun. She was grateful for her siblings. They were always there to help her moving (which was often with her career) and help her deal with her illness. Ursula was so very thankful. Ellen was a true blessing as she called every day after the diagnosis with words of support and encouragement. She also appreciated all the prayers of the Holy Trinity Parish family. The doctors and staff at Unity Point Cancer Center were tremendous. Most of all, she was grateful for her beloved husband John who loved, helped and supported her every minute of her life with him. Ursula was preceded in death by her parents, her stepdaughter Margaret Wirth, and her beloved brother, Terry. Memorials can be left to Sacred Heart Church or to Hospice of Fort Dodge. Visitation Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Rosary Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 4:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Vigil Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 6:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Funeral Mass Tue, Aug 29, 2017 at 10:30 am Sacred Heart Church 211 S 13th St Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501