Eileen R. (Rahe) Hermsen, 1927-2009

HERMSEN, RAHE, DREES, PINK, BEACHLER, BELL, KRAPFL, PAPE

Posted By: cheryl moonen (email)
Date: 2/23/2015 at 16:54:39

From the July 29, 2009 edition of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald

FARLEY, Iowa -- Eileen R. Hermsen, 82, of Farley, died at 4 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2009, at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Farley, with the Rev. Dennis Cain officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Farley. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Reiff Funeral Home, Farley, where there will be a wake service at 4 p.m., and the Farley American Legion will meet at 7 p.m.

She was born on March 1, 1927, in Dyersville, daughter of Antone and Rose (Drees ) Rahe. She received her education in the rural Dyersville country schools.

She married Elmer Hermsen on Jan. 28, 1949, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville; he preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 1994. Together they farmed most of their lives until retirement.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, Farley, and a member of its Altar and Rosary Society.

Eileen enjoyed working in her gardens, baking and bowling. She loved to travel. Her passion remained her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are six sons, Merlin (Sheila) Hermsen, of Long Grove, Duane (Jane) Hermsen, of Peosta, David (Becky) Hermsen and Mark (Darla) Hermsen, both of Farley, Brian (Rosemarie) Hermsen, of New Vienna, and Martin (Tina) Hermsen, of Farley; three daughters, Ann (Steve) Pink, of Albuquerque, N.M., Marilyn (Bill) Beachler, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., and Sandra (Dennis) Bell, of Indianola; 30 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Anthony (Rosemary) Rahe, of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Lindsey Rose Hermsen in 1984; and six siblings, Leroy (Wilma "Billie") Rahe, Leo (Marie) Rahe, Gerald (Agnes) Rahe, Gilbert (Florabelle) Rahe, Delores (Ambrose) Krapfl and Evelyn (Art) Pape.