Mary "Karla" Eggert

Mary “Karla” Eggert, 64, of Davenport, Iowa, died peacefully Friday, August 29, 2025, at her residence with her children and husband at her side after a courageous battle with illness.

A celebration of Karla’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. Per her wishes, cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to the family.

Mary Karla Holtz was born on January 15, 1961, at Osteopathic Hospital, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Leta Holtz. She graduated from West High School in 1979 and went on to attend beauty school. She worked at many places including the D.A.V. thrift store, Rhythm City Casino, and Ridge Crest Village.

Karla married Dennis Dean Drapeaux on September 24, 1992, in Davenport, Iowa. Together they continued to build a family of ten children, including Dennis’s previous five children. Dennis passed on May 4, 1993. Karla married Gene Francis Eggert, Sr. on July 3, 1998, in Davenport, Iowa. Gene brought along five step children, to build Karla’s family bigger.

Dearest to Karla’s heart was her family. She expressed her love for them in countless ways, with cooking being a central part of her household. She made all her meals with love. Her kids said they couldn’t get it to taste like their moms! She enjoyed camping, motorcycle rides, and trying crafts until her health wouldn’t let her.

Karla was a strong independent woman, who loved to make people smile and loved to share a good joke. She was very giving to all she knew. She never wanted to trouble anyone with her problems, but was always there to help with yours.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Gene; children, Karl (Jena) Drapeaux of Blue Grass, Iowa, Dennis Drapeaux of Davenport, Iowa, Ashley Drapeaux of Davenport, Iowa, Amanda (Pat) Blake, of Davenport Iowa, and Courtney (Ronnie) Guinn of Davenport, Iowa; step-children, Donald Drapeaux of Las Vegas, Nevada, Shane Drapeaux of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Denise Drapeaux of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chris Clark of Monmouth, Iowa, Gene Eggert Jr. of Davenport, Iowa, Jessie (Dan) Collier of Tennessee, Melinda (Scott) Blake Jr. of Davenport, Iowa; and Matt (Heidi) Eggert of Davenport, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 25 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren with two more on the way; sister, Leota (John) Clark of Mystic, Iowa; brother, Lonnie (Deb) Holtz of Moline, Illinois; many nieces, nephews, & cousins; special cousins, Gloria Holtz-Clark of Eldridge, Iowa, Dale (Daloria) Holtz of Texas, and Jeni Drapeaux; and many more who claimed her as “mom” and “grandma”.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis Drapeaux; parents, Karl and Leta Holtz; grandparents; step-children, Trudy Drapeaux and Dennis Drapeaux; and special cousins, David Holst and Jim Holst.

Karla requested to have her remains placed in a container which can be filled with a tree – her little payback to the earth that has given her so much in life.

No tears please. Pick a sunny day, relax, have something delicious to eat, and take a minute to think of me.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.