Obituary of Clarice Fahlenkamp

Memorial Tribute Clarice Irene Fahlenkamp, daughter of Charles and Sadie (Phillip) Centner, was born on September 22, 1924 near Melvin, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in May City, IA. Her childhood years were spent in the Melvin community where she attended country school, graduating from Melvin High School with the class of 1941. After graduation, Clarice clerked at the grocery store in Hartley, IA for several years. On January 2, 1946, she was united in marriage to Robert W. Fahlenkamp at May City. The couple made their home in Hartley for two years, then moved to a farm south of town, eventually relocating to their farm east of Hartley where they ran a dairy operation. In 1984, Bob and Clarice decided to have a farm sale, but, since they both enjoyed rural life, continued living in the country. They tended to their flock of sheep, had a few ducks, chickens, and of course, cats and a farm dog. Having thoroughly enjoyed her role as a stay-at-home-mom, Clarice was thrilled to once again to have the opportunity to also care for her 1 year-old granddaughter, Sonya, until she was 4. Many happy memories were created during that special time. Not one to sit idle, Clarice kept active doing light house cleaning for several homes in the area. She and Bob were also custodians at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley where they had their membership. Clarice was a "farm girl" at heart, so gardening and yard work came naturally for her, and she enjoyed every minute of it. Quieter times were spent doing handwork such as counted cross stitch, crochet, sewing, or craft projects, yet she was always ready to lend a helping hand to relatives and friends alike. With a summer home on East Lake Okoboji, most weekends were spent there during the warm months. She and Bob enjoyed fishing, relaxing, and visiting with friends and neighbors, but their greatest delight was in the company of family and their beloved grandchildren who gave them lots of pleasure. Clarice moved into the town of Hartley when Bob became a resident of the Health Center there. She passed from this life on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the age of 91. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Bob; one sister, Esther Hansen; one brother, Vernon Centner; and grandson-in-law, Kurt Pierce. Left to cherish her memory are her two sons: Ronald (Elfreda) Fahlenkamp of Olympia, WA, and Randy Fahlenkamp and Debra Pelletier of Hartley, IA; five grandchildren: Pamela (Ken) Pekola of Rochester, WA, Rick Fahlenkamp of Utha, WA, Aimee (Dale) Meyer and children, Caitlyn and Braum of Archer, IA, Sonya Jo Pierce and her children, Kole, Kaine and Kody of Sergeant Bluff, IA, and Randiee Fahlenkamp of Sioux Falls, SD; one sister, Leona Holmes of Hartley, IA; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Clarice I. Fahlenkamp Born ~ September 22, 1924 Died ~ March 22, 2016 Age ~ 91 years 6 months Memorial Service Tuesday, March 29, 2016 2:00 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Chris Nitzel Organist ~ Donna Ahlers Musical Tribute Curtis Jass "How Great Thou Art" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "In The Garden" Recessional ~ "Amazing Grace" #744 Inurnment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa