Obituary of Katherine Woltersdorf

Memorial Tribute Katherine Elizabeth (Miller) Woltersdorf was born on May 20, 1916, on a farm in Lincoln Township, O’Brien County, IA to John and Nora Lealine (Phipps) Miller. She attended country school in Lincoln Township #6 and #7, O’Brien County, IA and graduated from Hartley High School in 1934. On January 10, 1936, Katherine was united in marriage to Lester Woltersdorf near Fulda, MN. They were blessed with two daughters, Colleen and Darcy. In the early years of their marriage they lived and worked on many farms near Hartley, Plessis, Sanborn, and Everly. They moved to the Melvin area in 1946. In 1948, Katherine and Lester settled on the Crumb farm near Melvin, where they rented for 46 years. Together they farmed, raised sheep, chickens, hogs and cattle. Katherine also helped Lester with his livestock buying business by accompanying him on deliveries, helping with bookkeeping and always keeping the coffee pot on. They moved into a condo in Sibley in 1993, and in 2005, became residents at Country View Manor, also in Sibley. The couple proudly celebrated 71 years of marriage in January of 2007. Lester passed away on October 26, 2007. Katherine passed away at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley on September 3, 2008 at the age of 92. Katherine was a woman of many talents. She loved to sew, bake, cook, garden, take photographs, and paint—including wooden Santas that have brought holiday cheer to friends and family across the nation. She was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, and belonged to the W.S.C.S. (United Methodist Women). She volunteered many hours throughout her life for organizations such as 4-H and Girl Scouts. Sharing coffee and goodies with family and friends gave her great pleasure. Above all, she loved to visit with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing the stories of her youth and life. Survivors include her daughters: Colleen Griese of Lake Park, IA, and Darcy and her husband Jeff Schultz of Melvin, IA; 9 grandchildren, 17 great- grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; sisters Eunice DeBoom of Fulda, MN, Betty Kaiser of Milford, IA, and Virginia Heikens of Spencer, IA; brother-in-law James Streufert Sr. of Milford, IA; sister-in-law Opal Mae Jessen of Everly, IA; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lester, sisters Eulla Fahlenkamp and Rozaire Streufert; an infant brother Christ; brothers Bernard, Dave, Joe and John; son-in-law Carl Griese; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In Remembrance of Katherine E. Woltersdorf Born ~ May 20, 1916 Died ~ September 3, 2008 Age ~ 92 years 3 months 13 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008 Melvin United Methodist Church Melvin, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. David Finley Organist ~ Pat Wachtel Processional ~ “Amazing Grace” #378 “The Old Rugged Cross” #504 “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” #526 Recessional ~ “How Great Thou Art” #77 Pallbearers Cindy Place Doug Griese Mike Griese Bryan Griese Patty Alcorn Rebecca Luitjens Lia Schultz Ty Schultz Kindra Reiter Honorary Pallbearers Great-grandchildren and Great-great grandchildren Ushers Steve Wachtel Daryl Daggett Interment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa