Soldat, Breta C. (1926-2008)

SOLDAT, GATH, ESPE, FERRO

Posted By: Colleen J. Ossman (email)
Date: 10/13/2008 at 14:39:20

(South Hamilton Record-News, Jewell, IA, 24 Sep 2008)

Breta Carol Espe Gath Soldat, 82 years old, last residing at Wesley Acres, formerly of Johnston, Iowa, unexpectedly died on September 18, 2008.

Breta was born on February 22, 1926 to parents Henry T. Gath and Julia Espe Gath. She grew up in Jewell, Iowa, her family farm located in rural Hamilton County. she married James Robert Soldat on November 9, 1945. She is survived by their four children, Mark, Christopher and his partner Todd Simpson, Craig, daughter-in-law Marianne Ferro; and Lisa Soldat; grandchildren Jesse Soldat and Nathan Soldat, their mother Marcia Soldat, as well as Nathan's wife Sela, and their children Akil and Zuhura.

Breta graduated from Jewell High School in 1944, and she earned a BS degree from Iowa State University in 1949. She was a nursery school director at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. She and Bob were founding and lifelong church members. She also carefully nurtured and enriched the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout her life.

She enjoyed golf, travel, Friendship Force, rosemaling, P.E.O., Questers, church activities and her avid interest in genealogy. She served as the Senior Warden at St. Andrews and was the author of a comprehensive two-volume work on her Norwegian ancestry dating back a thousand years. She was also an avid reader. She enjoyed family vacations, backyard barbecues, fixing Sunday dinners complete with pie, growing house plants and her Norwegian heritage.

Breta never hesitated to help those less fortunate than herself. She loved much and was loved by others who were a part of her life.

Visitation was held Sunday, September 21 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Iles Funeral Home at 6337 Hickman Road. Funeral services were held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 5720 Urbandale Avenue, on Monday September 22 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorial contributions to Amnesty International and the Iowa National Heritage Foundation.