TROUTNER, Grace 1870-1955

TROUTNER, BONZER, PERRY

Posted By: Steven D. Gilbert (email)
Date: 3/18/2002 at 23:57:21

Grace Troutner Dies at Age 85

Miss Grace Troutner, 85, who taught in the Des Moines school system for 42 years before retiring and moving to Charles City in 1940, died at Cedar Valley Hospital at 8:23 last night after a three-day illness.

She first taught in North High School at Des Moines when the entire faculty numbered only nine members. She was instrumental in buying the school's first band uniforms and also helped raise money for the first football uniforms of the school. In 1909, she was named principal of the Willard grade school in Des Moines and in 1914 was named principal of the Stowe Grade School. She held both these positions until her retirement in 1940.

At the time of her retirement she was extended many honors, including gifts presented by the Mayor of Des Moines. She was a member of the First Congregational Church here, and was a member of the board of directors of the Salvation Army, a member of Eastern Star and the DAR.

While in Des Moines, she was a member of the Women's Rotary Club and the Business and Professional Women's Club. She was born on March 20, 1870, at Bradford, Iowa, near Nashua. She was the daughter of John F. and Frances Maria Perry Troutner.

Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Charles Bonzer of Charles City; a brother, Andrew Troutner, Bellingham, Wash. Other survivors include a newphew, Barton Bonzer, of near Floyd.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 3:30 at the First Congregational Church with the Rev. Edwin J. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Nashua. Hauser Funeral Home is in charge.