Florence K. Ruckdaschel 1907-2009
SWENSON, RUCKDASCHEL, HARRIS, SCHULTZ, HOPKINS
Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 4/14/2009 at 14:53:57
Florence Katherine Swenson was born in rural Allamakee county, Iowa to Arthur W. & Nina (Harris) Swenson on July 23, 1907. She was raised on the family farm in Cherry Valley, Franklin twp. She died April 12, 2009 at the age of 101 years, 8 months and 20 days.
Florence often told of growing up in the country: riding horses barefoot and bareback, swimming in the swimming hole near her home. She remembered watching the Ringling brothers circus unload at the depot and the circus parade in Postville on Sept 3, 1915. She and her brother George attended dances in Prairie du Chien, hiring a rowboat to take them across the Mississippi, once having to spend the night in the little boat because they became lost in the fog. Her early education was in country school. She was a member of the Zethalathian literary society at Postville High School and graduated in the class of 1925. The following year she graduated from business college in Cedar Rapids, then worked for Dr. Frederick G. Murry in his Cedar Rapids office assisting him in minor surgery for 3 years.
Florence K. Swenson and Elrie C. Ruckdaschel were united in marriage at Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 11, 1929. To this union were born three children, all who survive their loving mother. A few years after they married, Elrie and Florence purchased the historical McEwen (ca1881) home that had been built on the site of the Joel Post half-way house in Postville. Florence lived in this home until October 2001. In 2007, she moved to the Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah. Elrie and Florence loved to dance, entering 'Charleston' contests all over northeastern Iowa. Elrie was the owner and operator of the Ruckdaschel Ford garage in Postville until he retired in 1952. Over the years, they vacationed in the western & other states, and Florence continued to visit family members in Wyoming and Alaska, well into her 80's. In July 2007, her family and friends celebrated Florence's 100th birthday anniversary.
After Elrie's death, Florence worked for several years in the dental office of Dr. Martin DDS in Postville. She loved playing her organ, her antique furniture, collecting antique dishes and tending the beautiful flowers in her yard. Throughout her life, reading was her passion. Florence hated to cook, but when she had to cook, "Nanny's Beans" were her specialty. Florence was a member Community Presbyterian church in Postville for for 65 years.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband Elrie in 1959, her parents; her brothers Roland, Hall and George Swenson; her sister, Doris Swenson; one grandson and one great-grandson. She is survived by her children: Sally Hopkins (Gary), of Scranton, Iowa; Patricia Schultz (Jack) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Douglas Ruckdaschel (Kay) of Hayward, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian church. A private burial in the Postville cemetery will precede the church service. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.
SGF, April 14, 2009
Another obit & photo, Schutte-Grau Funeral home
Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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