Sarah Staebell, the mother of Jesup Volleyball Player Addison Staebell, passed away at 49, surrounded by her family, after a courageous fight against colon cancer on December 1, 2025.
She fought against her cancer for 5 and a half years and was named the Cancer Survivor of the Year in 2024.
Sarah Staebell graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1994 and built a career around her passion for creating beautiful, organized spaces.
Alongside her husband, Tony, she owned and operated Staebell Design, an award-winning business specializing in interior decorating, organization, and custom painting.
Sarah was known for her impeccable taste and love for taking her creative abilities to the next level. She was proud of her firm, which won the Best of the Best Award in various categories for 3 years in a row.
Previously, she co-owned Cobblestone Creek with her mother, Dona, in Evansdale.
Heaven gained a real angel, my sister got her wings 🪽. But don’t worry if you know my sister, those gates to heaven, I promise you, are already getting decorated for Christmas before she even walks through them. You created the most beautiful family, and you will continue to live through them as they grow every day.
Jared Frickson
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Sarah Staebell’s Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Unwavering Spirit
Sarah Jolene Staebell, the daughter of Jeffrey Tix and Dona Klein, was born on August 3, 1976, in Waterloo, Iowa.
She passed away peacefully at 49, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous five-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer.
Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister whose vibrant spirit and unwavering love left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
She married Allen Charley, and they had a beautiful daughter, Samantha, in 1995. Sadly, their marriage didn’t last long, and they eventually divorced.
Afterward, she married Tony Staebell on November 10, 2001, at Immaculate Conception Church in Gilbertville. The married couple had three children.
Sarah’s greatest passion was her family. She supported her children in all endeavors and created a home of meticulous organization and a hub of joyful celebration.
Christmas was her favorite season, and her talents for decorating, gift-giving, and creating magic for others shone brightest.
She embraced the role of “Grandma” with unmatched delight and found immense joy in spoiling her grandchildren, Walker and Emery. Their laughter was her strength, and they remain the legacy of love she was proudest to leave behind.
Sarah faced her illness with remarkable grace and determination and was honored as a Cancer Survivor of the Year in 2024.
She remained a passionate voice for awareness, tirelessly supporting the local Relay for Life chapter.
My symptoms started in April.
Sarah Tix Staebell
2 virtual doctor appointments, 1 urgent care appointment, 2 ER visits.
I remember telling the one doctor, ‘Look. I know my body, something isn’t right.’
I was given the run around with ALL of these except the final ER visit on Memorial Day,
(which was out of state) where an actual cat scan was done, the cancer was diagnosed and I was immediately transferred to Iowa City.
MC Ink Screen Printing has created an online apparel store to show our love and support, with a portion of each sale going directly to Sarah and her family.
Sarah is survived by her beloved husband, Tony Staebell; children, Samantha Krueger, Luke Staebell, Lane Staebell, and Addison Staebell; cherished grandchildren, Walker and Emery Krueger; mother and stepfather, Dona and Rodney Frickson; and brothers, Jesse Tix and Jared Frickson.
She shared a close bond with her father- and mother-in-law, Gerald and Vicki Staebell; brothers-in-law, Scott Staebell and Mark Staebell; sister-in-law, Erin Jeffries; dearest cousin and best friend, Shannon Frost; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and extended family members.
On the other hand, she was preceded in death by her father, Jeffrey Tix; her maternal grandparents, Norbert and Theresa Klein; her paternal grandparents, Henry and Virginia Tix; her uncle and aunt, Bob and Geri Schmaltz; and her cousin, Brett Klein.
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The Staebell family will receive visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo.
Her funeral service is on 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Prairie Lakes Church, 907 Viking Road, Cedar Falls.
The Staebell Family extends their deepest gratitude to their entire village and to everyone who offered support and prayers throughout Sarah’s journey.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.lockefuneralservices.com.
Rest In Peace, Sarah Tix Staebell.
