Fern Kobes, 06 May 1921 - 07 July 2008

KOBES, EVANS, BALES

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 7/9/2008 at 17:00:39

Fern Marie Kobes, 1010 Scott Park Dr, Iowa City Iowa, died on July 7, 2008 at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, after a short illness. Fern was born May 8, 1921 to Cleve T. and Mary E. (Bales) Evans in Pittsburgh, Iowa, rural Iowa County. She attended country schools and lived in the Windham area, North Liberty and Iowa City with her parents. Fern married Jacob H. Kobes, Jr on August 29, 1940 at St. Paul Lutheran Chapel, Iowa City. They spent their 67 years of marriage in Iowa City. Jake preceded her in death on February 25, 2008. Fern was a homemaker, raised three children, did domestic work throughout the years and provided countless hours of service to the community. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #17 for 64 years and held several unit and county offices including president, and was honored to have been elected to the office of president of District #1. She was also a member of ALA Past Presidents. Fern was a member of the VFW and DAV Auxiliaries and an active member of Iowa City Women Club for many years. The ALA granted Fern the distinct of National Volunteer of the Week and in April, 2008 she was honored for having provided 17,500 hours of volunteer service to Veterans Administration Medical Center, an honor she graciously accepted and humbly appreciated. Survivors include three children: Karen L. (Robert) Miller, Riverside; Gary D. (Susan) Kobes, Emery, SD and Joyce E. (William) Callen, Merrimack, NH; grandchildren Dawn (Jeff) Hays, Thomas Miller, Debra (Larry) Elshoff, Kimberley (Steven) Cady, David (Audrey) Kobes, Stacey Callen, Bryon (Bridget) Callen, Lesley Callen and Joshua (Malinda) Kobes; great-grandchildren Sara Nightingale, Katie and Eric Miller, Randy and Jenny Elshoff, Meghan and Devyn Cady, Gabby and Jacob Kobes, and sisters Helen Griffin and Gertrude (Robert) Fuhrmeister, brother-in-law Donald Kobes and several nieces and nephews. Fern was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; infant brother Charles and sister Edith Danke; great-grandson Raymond Elshoff; granddaughter-in-law Sarah Miller; brothers and sisters-in-law John and Lucille Margaret Neuzil; Kenneth and Kathryn Kobes; brother-in-law William Griffin and a very special niece and nephew. Fern’s family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Iowa City Hospice and those staff members of Mercy Hospital who touched Fern’s life the last several weeks. Gratitude is especially extended to the two nurses who provided exceptional insight, professionalism and guidance to Fern’s family in the final days of her life. Fern was joined in passing by her loyal and dear friend, Ruth Switzer also on July 7, 2008. They made their journey to Heaven together, to meet up with their fellas.

Lensing Funeral Home, Iowa City
Cedar Rapids Gazette, 8 July 08, 5b