Baethke, Mercedes Ann (Walter) 1930 - 2017

BAETHKE, WALTER, OBRIEN, BRAND, BURNS, LOUGHEED, GIFFORD

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/22/2024 at 16:07:20

Mercedes Baethke May 9, 1930 - July 23, 2017

Mercedes Ann Baethke was born on May 9, 1930 on the farm in Winneshiek County, to Myrtle (O’Brien) and HJ “Dick” Walter.Upon graduation from high school, she entered Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, (now University of Northern Iowa), and taught elementary school at Grafton Schools in Grafton, Iowa; Lime Springs, Iowa; and for the Howard Winneshiek School District until her retirement. She was a tough, no-nonsense teacher!

She married Harlan John Baethke on December 26, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cresco, Iowa.

Mercedes loved to read and was an avid quilter, especially baby quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for the Native American youth on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She thoroughly enjoyed watching Iowa football and basketball.

She was an active member at Immanuel, served on committees, belonged to the Rebecca Circle, and enjoyed gathering and socializing with the Do-Day quilter’s group.

She will be missed dearly by her beloved cat, Chloe, who was so faithful and followed her everywhere.

Mercedes is survived by two sons, Mark (Lisa) Baethke of Zumbrota, Minnesota; Brent (Amanda) Baethke of Minneapolis, her sister, Helynn Brand of Cresco, 3 grandchildren, Hiliary (Jason) Burns of Ames, Whitney (Mike) Lougheed of Watkins, Minnesota and Kyra (Joel) Gifford of Redmond, Washington, along with 5 great-grandchildren: Madeline, Avery, Garrison, Leona and Henry. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Harlan, who died in December 1999.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cresco, Iowa.

Source: Lindstrom Funeral Home database

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen