STILLE, Leorene A. (1904-2002)

STILLE, YOUNGS, LIPKA, SCHULZ, ANDERSON, FUNK, TEDDER, THADA, REYNOLDS, ALLEMAN, TRONE, SEELHAMMER, OLSON, KRUSE, SELL, WELSH

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 2/19/2023 at 21:19:45

Leorene A. Stille

Leorene A. Stille, 98, of Garner died Wednesday (October 16, 2002) at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Her funeral was held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, October 21st at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. Kay Hooper officiating.

Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek, who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Marvin and Maynard Schoneman.

Honorary bearers were the Garner Rotarians and their spouses.

Casket bearers were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was in Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Leorene Anona Stille, the daughter of William F. and Cora (Youngs) Lipka, was born September 28, 1904 at Webster, SD. During her youth her family moved to several towns in South Dakota and Minnesota. Rene graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis and continued her education at McPhale College of Music in Minneapolis.

On August 5, 1925 she was married to Chester Ray Stille at the United Methodist Church parsonage in Forest City. Chet and Rene spent their entire 77 plus years living in Garner. She was a community minded person, giving freely of her time and talents. She played the piano at numerous events for many years, some of which included silent movies at the Garner Avery Theater, vocal and instrumental school competitions, accompanying the North Iowa Area Ballet and Tap classes and recitals, the Lions Minstrel Shows and playing for the Garner Rotary Club for over 40 years! The Rotary Club honored Rene as a Jolly Good Fellow, awarding her with a Paul Harris Fellow Medallion. She was also an accomplished organist and served in many churches in the area. Rene shared her love of music with many students through piano lessons.

In 1939, she founded the Girl Reserves in Garner and later helped in bringing the Girl Scouts to Garner. She also helped organize the first Music Mothers Club for the school. Rene was recognized for her years of volunteering entertainment at Concord Care Center and was named as First Lady of the Year for her contributions to the community through music. She also sang with the Sweet Adelines since the first group was begun in Garner.

Rene was a committed Christian, as is evidenced by her involvement in the United Methodist Church. For all her married years she was active in the Sunday school, sang in the choir, played the organ, served on committees and worked with the United Methodist Women.

Renes family was always foremost in her mind. She will be remembered by her two daughters, Muriel Schulz of Klemme and Val Anderson of Garner; a son-in-law, Donald Funk of Gold Canyon, AZ; grandchildren, Glenn Schulz and wife, Donna, Carol Tedder and husband, Terry, Karen Thada and husband, Byron, David Funk and wife, Lisa, Jeanne Reynolds, Janice Alleman and husband, John, Wendy Trone, Jody Seelhammer and husband, Scott, and Cathy (Anderson) Olson and husband, Paul; great-grandchildren, Crystal Kruse, Cinnamon Schulz, Jason Schulz, Elizabeth Tedder, Mathew Sell, Joshua Sell, Robin Thada, Adam Thada, Brad Thada, Jamison Alleman, Clarissa Welsh, Johnathon Trone, Chester Anderson Olson, Abby Olson, Emily Olson and Lydia Seelhammer; and great-great-grandchildren, Tyler Sell, Joshua Sell, Garrett Kruse and Wyatt Kruse.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chet, September 21, 2002; daughter, June Funk; 2 sons-in-law, Dale Anderson and Robert Schulz; grandson, Mark Anderson; her parents; an infant brother, Lyndon; a sister, Irene; and a brother, William Lipka and his wife, Arlene.

source: News-Tribune, Britt, Iowa, 24 Sep 2002, page A8, column 1