Obituary of Iona Heitritter

Iona "Onie" Mae Heitritter was born on December 21, 1921 to Russell and Marilla (Matthews) Pyle at Sibley, IA. She spent her childhood on a farm near Melvin, IA, along with her four siblings. She attended the Harding Country School through eighth grade, and then graduated from Melvin High School. Iona met her first husband, Earl Gettier, on a farm north of Melvin. When he returned from military service, she and Earl were united in marriage on August 25, 1945. To this union one son, Robert, was born. Earl and Iona farmed together on Iona's home place until retiring to the town of Melvin in 1970. Iona was employed as a clerk at the local grocery stores in town. She and Earl had been married for 32 years when Earl passed away in 1977. Having known each other as friends for years, it seemed a natural fit when Iona married Carol Heitritter, also of Melvin, on December 29, 1979 at Estherville, IA. They enjoyed the years they had together, whether relaxing at their lake home or on the trips they took to Chicago, Las Vegas and California. Still, it was always good to get home to Melvin where life centered around lots of good times together with children, family and friends. Carol passed away in March of 2005. Iona continued living in Melvin, caring for her home, going to flea markets and sales, playing cards with friends, and keeping up on all the children's and grandchildren's activities. She was active in the Melvin Legion Auxiliary for 65 years, and a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Melvin for over 60 years. She was a long-time treasurer of the UMW Group and had taught Sunday School for 15 years. Iona moved to Prairie View Home in Sanborn, IA in February of 2012 where she passed from this life on Sunday, May 10, 2015 at the age of 93. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter-in-law, Shelly Gettier of Sioux Falls, SD; step-children: Ken (Ellie) Heitritter of Peosta, IA, Paul (Joyce) Heitritter of Melvin, IA, Rachel (Wray) Wright of Sioux City, IA, Todd (Anita) Heitritter of Archer, IA; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; her sister, Barbara (Robert, Jr.) Nonneman of Melvin, IA; sister-in-law, Peggy Pyle of Sanborn, IA; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Iona was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Earl Gettier, and Carol Heitritter; her son, Robert Ray Gettier in 2003; her sister, Maurine Babcock; brothers: Harold and Howard Pyle; and nephew, Lowell Daggett. Celebration of Life Iona Heitritter Born ~ December 21, 1921 Died ~ May 10, 2015 Age ~ 93 years 4 months 19 days Funeral Service Wednesday, May 13, 2015 ~ 10:30 a.m. United Methodist Church Melvin, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Marvin Lindley Organist ~ Pat Wachtel Instrumental Processional "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" Musical Tribute Jenna Pedersen, St. Croix Hospice "In the Garden" Congregational Singing "How Great Thou Art" Recessional ~ "Amazing Grace" Pallbearers Jason Heitritter Wray R. Wright Buckley Wright Dylan Gettier Chad Schaa Darrin Jones Adam Heitritter Branden Heitritter Honorary Pallbearers Tim Pyle Doug Nonneman Joel & Kathy Wright Daryle & Vi Daggett Roger & Marge Remmers Harvey & Pat Juber Jeff & Darcy Schultz Ushers Daryle Daggett ~ Jeff Schultz Interment Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa