Dennis Funeral Homes

EVA B. QUIRAM, age 97 of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Waseca Medical Center.

Born in Waterville on February 1, 1912, she was the daughter of George Arthur and Elsie May (Matson) Francisco.  She attended school in Waterville, and graduated in May of 1930.  She then attended St. Mary Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, and graduated as an R.N. in 1934.  During her time in college, Eva was lucky enough to be chosen to be a nanny for Dr. Charles Mayo.  This was a great honor in her life.  Following her graduation she worked with the Mayo brothers in surgery.  This vocation took her all around the United States and Canada by train with Dr. Charles Mayo.  On January 12, 1935, Eva was married to Evert Raymond “Pete” Quiram in West Union, Iowa.  A short time later, she received her Public Heath Nursing degree from the University of Minnesota.  She worked as a public health nurse for Waseca County from 1952 through 1954.  From that point until her retirement, she was the director of Mankato’s Public School health services.  During several of the summer breaks from her position with the school, she volunteered as a nurse for Catholic Missions in the Bahamas.  Eva was awarded the Minnesota Respiratory Health Association Distinguished service award at her retirement in 1970.  Eva was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, and always looked forward to her weekly Sunday dinners with her good friend Barb Kiesler, as well as her monthly visits with Rev. David Mumme.

Eva is survived by two children, Lowell Quiram of Waterville and Kay Carlsen of Waseca; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1949; one brother, Grant; one sister, Vada; and four other siblings in infancy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville with Rev. David Mumme officiating.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will follow at Sakatah Cemetery in Waterville.