Obituary of Marzella Sandersfeld

Marzella Gertrude (Rusche) Sandersfeld, daughter of Henry and Dora (Dass) Rusche, was born September 18, 1921, on a farm near Harris, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan, IA. Marzella received her elementary education in the rural schools of Osceola County, graduating from Ocheyedan High School in 1939. Following graduation, she attended summer session at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, IA where she obtained her teaching certificate. She then taught for four years in Allison Township country schools. On August 21, 1942, Marzella was united in marriage to Alfred Sandersfeld at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan. The spring following Alfred's honorable discharge from WWII in 1945, he and Marzella began farming together on the Sandersfeld home place. From this union, four children were born; Julie, Ronald, Merlin, and Vernon. They lived on the farm, working side by side and raising their family together, until retiring in 1979 when they moved to May City, IA. Marzella was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in May City. Over the years, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served on the Altar Guild, and was a member of the LWML. Along with the quilting group, she served on many various committees. In her retirement, she enjoyed keeping in close contact with her children and grandchildren, either by phone or writing beautifully penned letters. Her daughter, Julie, took her on many wonderful bus trips and vacations. Marzella attended her grandchildrens' athletic events and school functions whenever she could, and especially loved going to family gatherings. She was an outstanding "puzzler", putting together tremendously difficult and sizable puzzles. Marzella passed from this life, surrounded by her family, on July 17, 2015 at the age of 93. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Alfred; her daughter, Julie Ann; and brother, Delbert Rusche. Left to cherish her memory are her three sons and their wives: Ronald (Kay) of Truman, MN, Merlin (Rebecca) of Harris, IA, Vernon (Dee) of Hamilton, MT; son-in-law, Chuck (JoAnn) Selchert of Scandia, MN; grandchildren: Annette (Travis) Tesch of Everly, IA, Michael Sandersfeld of Truman, MN, Amanda (Eddy) Dehmer of St. Michael, MN, Maj. Scott (Jen) Selchert (Ret.) of Fairfax, VA, Adam (Ashley) Sandersfeld of Hartley, IA, Nathan Sandersfeld of Harris, IA, Luke (Carrie) Sandersfeld of Newberg, OR, Brett Sandersfeld of Missoula, MT, Sr. Airman Mark Sandersfeld of Beale AFB, CA, Airman Alex Sandersfeld of RAF Croughton, UK; great-grandchildren: McKenzie Reynolds of Mankato, MN, Kayla Reynolds, Paige Reynolds, and Tanner Tesch all of Everly, IA, Miles Gillum, and Moses Gillum both of St. Michael, MN, Natalie Selchert, and Charley Selchert both of Fairfax, VA, Grayson Sandersfeld of Newberg, OR, and Aubree Sandersfeld of Hartley, IA. Celebration of Life Marzella G. Sandersfeld Born ~ September 18, 1921 Died ~ July 17, 2015 Age ~ 93 years 9 months 29 days Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015 St. John's Lutheran Church May City, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Neil Wehmas Organist ~ Luella Heilman Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Just As I Am" #570 "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want" #710 "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" #770 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" #809 Recessional ~ "Now Thank We All Our God" #895 Pallbearers Maj. Scott Selchert Michael Sandersfeld Adam Sandersfeld Nathan Sandersfeld Luke Sandersfeld Brett Sandersfeld Mark Sandersfeld Alex Sandersfeld Amanda Dehmer Annette Tesch Ushers Don Rasmussen ~ Russ Holst Burial Harrison Township Cemetery May City, Iowa