STETTNICHS, Martha (LaFrenz) 1912-1998

STETTNICHS, LAFRENZ, DREWES, ENGEL, SMITH, WINTER, KAHL, HANSEN, SNYDERS

Posted By: Diane Johnson (email)
Date: 1/23/2003 at 17:51:39

STETTNICHS, MARTHA LAFRENZ 1912-1998
Martha Stettnichs, 86 of Larchwood, died Thursday morning at the Lyon Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rock Rapids, IA

Martha Betty Augusta (LaFrenz) Stettnichs was born January 18, 1912, at Rock Rapids, IA, the daughter of Detrich and Johanna (Drewes) LaFrenz. She grew up in rural Rock Rapids and attended country school.

On September 6, 1934, Martha was united in marriage to Harry Stettnichs at Rock Rapids. Following their marriage, Martha and Harry farmed near Rock Rapids until moving to a farm near Doon, IA in 1943. In 1944, they moved to Granite, IA where they continued farming until moving to Larchwood in 1957. While at Larchwood, they not only farmed but also operated Stettnichs Cafe for ten years until it burned down in October of 1966.

After the fire, Martha worked for several years at other cafes in Larchwood as a cook. At home, Martha had many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed gardening and cooking but her family especially remembers her talents of sewing and knitting. Each family member received a hand-made Christmas tree decoration every year from Martha and in her later years she always vowed that year would be the last year she would be able to continue the tradition. However, the next year Martha again would make new ornaments for everyone.

Another tradition of Martha and her family was observing birthdays of all the brothers and sisters and immediate family members. During these celebrations, Martha could often be seen playing cards, but she particularly enjoyed being with her entire family.

Martha was a long-time member of the English Lutheran Church in Larchwood and was very active in the different functions of the church.

Within the Larchwood community, Martha was faithful in attending morning coffee at 9 a.m. at the cafes and she looked forward to being able to visit with her friends.

On December 12, 1993, Harry died ending their marriage of 59 years. After Harry's death, Martha continued to live in her own home until about a year ago when she suffered a stroke and became a resident of the Lyon Manor Nursing Home in Rock Rapids. After a month's stay, Martha was able to be discharged, but returned in October following a second stroke. Last Thursday morning, Martha died there at the age of 86.

Surviving are her four children and their spouses. Sharlene and John Engel of Shakopp, MN; Virgil and Syllvia Stettnichs of Spirit Lake, IA; Carol and Bob Smith of Canton, SD and Stan and Ruth Stettnichs of Sioux Falls, SD. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and four sisters, Mary Winter, Frieda Kahl, and Adel Hansen, all of Rock Rapids and Adeline Snyders of Larchwood. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Louise LaFrenz and Margaret LaFrenz, both of Rock Rapids.
From The Larchwood Focus, March 18, 1998