HUGEBACK, Kathleen Elizabeth (nee Wentz) 1918-2008

HUGEBACK, SMITH, WENTZ

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/15/2009 at 12:08:32

CHARLES CITY, IOWA - Kathleen Hugeback, age 90, of Charles City, [Floyd county, Iowa,] passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 31, 2008, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Charles City, with Rev. Carl Ries celebrating the Mass. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City. Casket bearers were: Michael Shaw, Ty Kukhan, Eric Shaw, Tyler Fisher, Jordan Feltz and Jacob Feltz.

Kathleen Elizabeth Hugeback was born on March 28, 1918, on the Wentz family farm near Ionia, Chickasaw county, Iowa, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Smith) Wentz. She attended Deerfield Country School through the fifth grade, then attended St. Mary’s Grade School in New Hampton for two years and finished elementary education in a rural school. Kathleen then attended New Hampton High School graduating with the class of 1935. Her education continued and in 1940, she became a graduate of the former Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, majoring in Home Economics and minoring in Science and Physical Education. Kathleen began her teaching career in Marble Rock for a year and a half.

She married Clayton Hugeback on July 1, 1941, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia, Iowa; and they had two daughters. The couple farmed near Bassett, where Kathleen was active in 4-H. Kathleen resumed teaching at St. Joseph School in New Hampton from 1966-1970 and then briefly taught in Inglewood, California, before moving back to the area. She began by substitute teaching and then became a full time Home Economics teacher at the New Hampton High School retiring in 1983. After retirement she moved from the farm to a home in Charles City.

During retirement Kathleen enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world. She was an active volunteer in many organizations including being a ‘Pink Lady’ at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital, doing income taxes for local residents at the Senior Citizens Center, and leading the Fountain of Youth Exercises at the YMCA. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and the St. Francis Circle, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Women’s Club, the Hoe and Hope Club and the Chickasaw and Floyd County Historical Societies.

She was well known for her chocolate chip cookies and afghans, but will be remembered most by her family and friends as a person who spent her life giving.

Survivors include a daughter, Shirley (Arlyn) Kukhan of Charles City; five grandchildren: Michael Shaw of Osage, Deborah (Brett) Kuhlemeier of Rudd, Heidi (Brian) Young of Ionia, Holly (Tony) Fisher of San Antonio, Texas, Ty (Laura) Kukhan of Charles City; 14 grandchildren: Eric Shaw, Alyssa (Zach) Perrin, Elizabeth Shaw, Connor, Collin, Clayton, Cooper and Camden Kuhlemeier, Jordan and Jacob Feltz, Tyler, Trey and Tristan Fisher, and Austin Kukhan.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Sharon Shaw in 1997; two brothers, Peter and Glen Wentz; and by one sister, Evelyn Welter.

Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton, Iowa, was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

[Original obituary posted on Charles City Press online]