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Visiting The Black Angel of Death in Iowa City,Iowa

While in the area my family decided to make a stop at Oakland Cemetery to visit The Black Angel of Death in Iowa City, Iowa. 

I first heard about this grave marker from my daughter who learned of the 8-foot tall statue from a book written by a local Iowa City author she enjoys. When she first told me about The Black Angel of Death and the history of the cemetery, we made a trip to Iowa City to see it for ourselves and ever since then, when we are in the area we visit the statue.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

Learning about the history of The Black Angel of Death may tempt you to make a trip to Iowa City so you can see the haunted monument for yourself.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

When headed to Oakland Cemetery, every time I visit no matter the weather, the sky looks somber and overcast.

This could be a coincidence of course but paired with the gloomy neighborhood surrounding the cemetery, it is enough to set the mood needed to question the factuality of The Black Angel of Death. 

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

Upon cresting the steep hill at the entrance of Oakland Cemetery you start to see The Black Angel of Death in the distance. It towers over everything surrounding it and its bold color sticks out enough to catch anyone’s eye in that space.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

According to the legend that surrounds this supposed haunted statue you will be cursed if you dare to touch or even worse defile this beautiful sculpture.

You can see by the severed fingers that not everyone is afraid of the supposed curse and some even try their best to tempt The Black Angel. 

Teresa Feldevert, her son Eddie Dolezel, and her second husband, Nicholas Feldevert were laid to rest here at Oakland Cemetery.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

Her son died at the young age of eighteen and her husband died another twenty years later.

Teresa decided to have a statue sculpted out of bronze, a monument for her family and a few years after having the sculpture placed, Teresa also died.

The sculpture does not have a death date listed for Teresa although there is a birthdate listed and her family’s dates are intact.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

Another odd fact worth noting is that the statue became black in color over time even after many failed attempts to restore it back to its original look, it just gets darker over time.

Some claim that this is due to oxidation occurring naturally while others believe that this is just another part of the curse of The Black Angel of Death.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

Now, this information would surely give anyone pause which is why Oakland Cemetery has been visited by several paranormal investigators with many reports of strange anomalies.

Some of these unexplainable anomolies were captured on camera and other equiptment used to record thermal levels or ghostly activity as well as audio recordings of ghostly sounds.

That kind of information seems to draw in a lot of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of something paranormal happening during their visit to The Black Angel of Death.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

Another interesting thing to observe when visiting Iowa City on occasion like I do is to see the different things people leave behind for the Black Angel.

I wonder how the caretaker feels about collecting all of these trinkets and clearing the area regularly, after all, this would require touching the statue.

According to legend, kissing, touching, defiling, or even staring at the black angel has resulted in incurable disease, car accidents, miscarriages, and even death.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

It’s obvious that someone has defiled this statue and chopped the fingers off but what is not so obvious is the outcome of the offender.

According to the legend of the Black Angel, a man cut off one of the statues thumbs and carried it out of the cemetery as a trophy. He was later reported to have gone insane and his body was supposedly found in The Chicago River although his cause of death was reported as strangulation.

The legend also claims that there was one black thumbprint lifted off of his body by the local coroner. A few days later, the thumb was found at the base of the statue.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

With a few google searches for The Black Angel of Death or reading about Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, you will find legends upon legends that claim all kinds of spooky things, some more believeable than others.

The Black Angel of Death Iowa City

If you are interested in visiting haunted places and digging deeper into the paranormal, visiting The Black Angel of Death in Iowa City needs to be on your bucketlist.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

KRISTIE BUTLER

Tuesday 25th of January 2022

I used to live just up the road from the cemetery and used to see some pretty amazing things happen kn several occasions. This statue is just a very remarkable monument

Melissa

Thursday 3rd of February 2022

They are always an experience for us as well. Something about visiting them is really calming.

Elle

Sunday 5th of August 2018

I personally don't believe in superstitions. However, the ones you listed "According to legend, kissing, touching, defiling, or even staring at the black angel has resulted in incurable disease, car accidents, miscarriages, and even death." Are enough to make me stay away.

Jennifer L

Saturday 4th of August 2018

Woah the legend of the black angel of death is so fascinating. But not sure I'd want to see it in person...I'd be too afraid to get cursed.

Tara

Friday 3rd of August 2018

What an interesting statue to have as a grave stone. It is very interesting all the stories surrounding this statue too.

Yeah Lifestyle

Friday 3rd of August 2018

What an interesting story! Paranormal stuff does fascinate me and I also wonder like you what the caretaker thinks about having to remove the trinkets and touch the statue - I'm not sure I'd dare!