Closz, Irene Ida (1876-1940)

CLOSZ, BIERNATZKI, JEFFERS

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/25/2016 at 09:46:19

Daily Freeman Journal, Monday, December 9, 1940

SERVICE FOR MISS CLOSZ TO BE TOMORROW

Widely Known Webster City Woman Had Been Ill Several Weeks

Miss Irene Closz, 64, daughter of Charles Closz of this city, died at her home here Saturday at 10 p.m.

She had been in failing health for the past two years, and had been seriously ill for several weeks. Early last spring when she became very ill in Florida, she was taken to Muskegon, Mich., to be near her brother, Dr. Harold F. Closz, chief of the surgical staff of Hackley hospital, and there she underwent an operation and was able to return to her home here in June. Later she received treatment in Des Moines, Rochester and in the local hospital, but her strength gradually failed and for the past six weeks she had been critically ill.

Her brother, Dr. Harold F. Closz, made several trips here during the summer and fall to assist in her care and has been with his sister the past four weeks. Another brother, Irving, of California, also came several weeks ago.

Funeral services will be tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at the McCauley-Chapman funeral home, with the Rev. W. R. Yard in charge.

Irene Ida Closz [daughter of Charles & Ida Biernatzka Closz] was born June 2, 1876 in Webster City. She attended the local schools and later studied at the Missionary Training school in Chicago. She also studied voice and had considerable training in music, being a talented singer.

For several years Miss Closz had charge of the office at the Closz sieve factory where her keen business sense and skill in the handling of details was a great asset to her father in the management of the factory.

After the death of her sister, Cairo, Miss Irene lived for 11 years on the farm known as Sunny Brook, operated by her brothers, Carl and Irving. She took much delight in keeping this home for her brothers. It was during these years that her talents as a homemaker became so evident to her friends who always found her an ideal hostess. While living in the country she also took an interest in community affairs and an active part in the Breeze Hill Sunday school. After her brothers retired from farming she returned to the Closz home in this city where she had since lived.

Miss Closz had been a member of the Baptist church since childhood and found the richest and fullest expression of her life in the church. As a young woman she took much responsibility for the music of the church and gave faithful service as a member of the choir. For many years she taught a Sunday school class of girls, and she was always greatly interested in all missionary activities. She helped in many ways, both in the Women's society and in the girls' organizations, especially by her generous gifts which were often made so quietly that no one else knew about them.

In 1929 she organized a chapter of the World Wide guild, a Baptist missionary organization for girls and young women. This chapter is still active and is now known as the Ataloa guild. It is a rather significant coincidence that the last church service Miss Closz was able to attend in Webster City was the International guild vesper service in December, 1939, in which the Ataloa guild had a prominent part. Only those who were privileged to associate with Miss Closz in her years of active work can fully known the value and beauty of her service and faithfulness.

Among other benevolent activities in which the Closz family has been interested and in which Miss Irene had an active part was the presentation of the furnishings and equipment of the operating room in the Hamilton county hospital.

Miss Closz had traveled widely, both in this country and in Europe. She took a great deal of pleasure in sharing with others her experiences and the many art treasures she had collected.

Miss Closz is survived by her father, two sisters, Mrs. E.M. Jeffers and Miss Mary, of this city, and three brothers, Carl, of this city, Irving of Redlands, Cal., and Harold of Muskegon, Mich., and by several other relatives. She was preceded in death by her mother, two sisters and one brother.

In the passing of Miss Closz, Webster City has lost one of its finest women. Her family and many friends will always cherish the memory of her beautiful life.