Florence B Staelens

February 10, 1928 - December 27, 2020

How well we know this lady, standing with one hand on her hip – ready for any conversation you’d like to start. But, be ready for her counterpoint perspective and questions. “Really?” She quizzed. “Tell me more.” Everyone should have an Aunt Flo. A relative, a friend, a confidant ready for conversation anytime into the wee hours of the morning if necessary. She was so ready to listen and inquire, coach and guide – then she would step back and let you determine your path. She was genuinely interested in each of our stories, found them interesting & often amusing. Her wit and smart come backs were always quick and accurate. Then, we would all laugh at ourselves. It was so entertaining to be with Flo. Aunt Flo was curious. The table beside her chair included a stack of books, all of them in progress. First there were the full bookshelves in the den, then the new bookshelves in the art room followed by more & more tall shelves in the living room – all filled with Russian history, Civil War tomes, geography, book about cities and countries to explore, needlework, Renaissance art, English novels, butterflies, gardening, Bob’s aircraft books, military history, sports cars, Jaguars, and incredibly, more. Their traveling years took them out West to the mountains, east to historical sites, to England, Scotland, Germany and more. Flo was always ready to pack a small bag and travel. Flo was an artist. At age 60 she returned to college at Augustana College and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. Her many paintings and sketches capture landscapes, traditional portraits & contemporary art. She explored all kinds of art. Flo’s story began February 10, 1928 in Wright County, Iowa. Her parents were Ira Ray & Hazel Marie (McOllough) Allen. She grew up in Wright County and graduated from Clarion High School. She was the youngest daughter in the Allen family of 10 children: Evelyn Soren, Ransom, Myrtle Hawkins, Leona Barnes, Ray, Manson, Esther Johnson, Leo “Mac” & Merle . Soon after high school she moved to Moline, Illinois. Robert Staelens and Florence met while both were working at International Harvester. They married September 1, 1951 in Moline, Illinois. Florence became a bank teller in Moline and was a favorite of customers there. She was trustworthy and accurate. After her retirement from the bank and graduation from Augustana College, she was employed at Augustana College in the Art History Department until her retirement. Florence lived with niece Linda Solbrig for two years then in 2014, moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa to live in the New Aldaya Community. It surprised her tremendously whenever we reminded her that she lived into her 90s. After a brief illness, Florence passed on peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, parents, siblings, and an infant daughter. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Bonnie Staelens Marino, Collette Staelens Erikson, Roberta Allen (Merle) and Ruth Allen (Mac) and numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of her family. Aunt Flo was a classy lady, a good friend & strong supporter of family. Her presence enlarged and enriched our lives. We are so grateful to have had an Aunt Flo and her gentle, loving influence in our lives.