CERNE, Elaine 1920-2012

CERNE, OPPEDAL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/24/2015 at 21:18:27

Elaine Elizabeth Cerne, 92, of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at Grundy County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care while under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Burial will be held privately by the family.

Elaine was born on July 29, 1920, in Stanhope, Iowa, the daughter of Isaac and Petrine Oppedal. Elaine grew up in Story City, Iowa and went on to receive a teacher's degree at the age of 18 from Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Elaine taught kindergarten for 10 years – 3 years in Exira, Iowa, and 7 years in Grundy Center.

Elaine met Joseph Cerne when he moved to Grundy Center to work for the Standard Oil Company. Elaine and Joe were united in marriage on January 14, 1949, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Together they welcomed four daughters into their family. Along with raising their children, Elaine was actively involved in Joe's business, known as Cerne Farm Center.

Elaine was truly a master seamstress well remembered for the beautiful clothes she made for her children and grandchildren. Her sewing skills were often seen in the many banners she designed and created for the American Lutheran Church. Many hours were enjoyed at the church making quilts for the Lutheran World Relief. She was also an avid bridge player, participating in several bridge clubs. Elaine and Joe enjoyed travel, whether visiting family, taking company trips to exotic places, or just enjoying the Chanhassen Theater in Minneapolis. Over the years, they were enthusiastic fans, following their children and grandchildren's many school and sports activities. Elaine may be most remembered for the wonderful meals she prepared, providing endless hours of treasured family time around the dining table.

Those left to honor Elaine's memory include her daughters Pam (Tom) Elitharp of Donnelly, Idaho, Cindy (Dennis) Dirks of Grundy Center, Iowa, Jill (Rick) Dietz of Indianola, Iowa, and Jennifer Cerne of San Jose, California; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and sisters Helen Bahle and Dorothy Ahlquist.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Cerne, her parents, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.

--Abels Funeral Homes (www.abelsfuneralhomes.com)

Grundy Obituaries maintained by Tammy D. Mount.
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