Natalie Klawonn

Natalie Ann Klawonn (Waterman), 64, of Evansdale, IA, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at home. Born on September 22, 1960, in Waterloo, IA, she was the beloved daughter of Leo Waterman and Janice Waterman (Wubbena).

Natalie was baptized on November 13, 1960, with sponsors Jim and Betty Wubbena, where she was welcomed into the Christian faith. She furthered her commitment to the Lord by continuously referencing her confirmation verse John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” These milestones in her faith journey guided her throughout her life, and her devotion to her beliefs was evident in the way she loved and cared for others.

Natalie graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1979, and later went on to earn her degree from the University of Northern Iowa with honors in 1991.

On November 22, 1997, Natalie married Steven Klawonn at Ascension Lutheran Church of Waterloo, IA. Together, they built a beautiful life, full of love, joy, and shared memories. They were blessed with three children and two grandchildren.

Natalie was a passionate educator who devoted many years to teaching and shaping young minds. Throughout her career, she made a lasting impact on her students, inspiring them with her patience, dedication, and kindness. Her love for teaching went beyond the classroom, as she truly cared about the success and well-being of each child she taught. Natalie taught talented and gifted students at Cardinal Elementary School for four years and Perry Elementary School for eleven years. Her teaching career ended early following a stroke in 2013. She was deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.

In addition to her role as a teacher, Natalie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She had a deep passion for reading, always lost in a good book, and enjoyed the escape that literature brought to her life. She also loved scrapbooking, capturing precious memories and creating beautiful keepsakes for her family.

She is survived by her spouse, Steven Klawonn; children, Katie (Julianna) Freeman, Elizabeth (Brett) Chapman, and Melinda Miller; grandchildren, David Freeman and Jessie Freeman; mother, Janice Waterman; siblings, Todd (Julie) Waterman; sister-in-law, Jeanette Dawson; nieces and nephews, Matthew (Sam) Waterman, Christina (Kyle) Colman, Miranda Waterman and Chelsea Waterman; as well as numerous extended family and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her father, Leo Waterman and brother, Timothy Waterman.

She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be held at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 4-7 pm. 

A celebration of Natalie’s life will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11 am at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Evansdale, IA. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love, faith, and compassion.