MOEN, Marguerite (Lems) 1932-2013

MOEN, LEMS, CANNIEGATER

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 2/19/2013 at 00:08:40

Marguerite Moen

Home Town: Inwood, Iowa
Deceased Date: Thursday, January 31, 2013

Visitation:
Monday, February 4, 2013
Porter Funeral Home
102 South Main
Inwood, Iowa

Prayer Service:
Monday, February 4, 2013
Address: Porter Funeral Home
102 South Main
Inwood, Iowa

Service:
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Address: Bethlehem Lutheran Church
302 N. Oak Street
Inwood, Iowa

Obituary--

Marguerite Lems Moen, 80, of Inwood, Iowa, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Fellowship Village in Inwood. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Inwood with Rev. John Wolf officiating. Visitation, with family present, will be held Monday, February 4, 2013 at Porter Funeral Home of Inwood from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Memorials in her honor may be directed to Fellowship Village or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, both of Inwood. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Marguerite Lems was born on December 21st, 1932 in Rock Valley, Iowa. She was the daughter of Paul and Emma (Canniegater) Lems. She attended school in Rock Valley and later, Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota. She obtained her teaching certificate from Northwestern College and began her teaching career in a country school, touching the lives of many including some of her younger siblings.

She married the love of her life, Henry Moen on September 12th, 1951. They had four children: Mary, Judy, Marlyn and Martha. Marguerite returned to college after her children were all in school and obtained her Master's Degrees in both elementary education and music. She directed many choirs of all ages and taught at All Saints, Rock Rapids, George, Iowa, and spent most of her teaching career at Harrisburg, South Dakota. While there, one of her second grade students, David Hoffman, who had a difficult childhood and had been in foster homes, touched her heart and she brought him home to become part of their family.

She and Henry lived in Inwood and were active in many ways to better the community including leading efforts to make the first community swimming pool a reality.

Her love for the Lord radiated through her. He blessed her with many gifts and talents touching the lives of those around her. As she faced many difficult health issues in her later years, she allowed others to see her strong faith in action and how she chose to see all the joy in her life amidst the trials. She spoke volumes even though she was unable to speak following a stroke.

Family was second to God and always so important in her life. As one of twelve, she has many cherished memories with her siblings and parents. She loved Henry and her children and grandchildren with her whole heart. She taught us all to always celebrate life, laugh and treasure time together with those we love. Marguerite had the privilege of having a second family through all the remarkable caregivers and staff at Fellowship Village; having a very special bond with LaRae Erickson. Although she had a long journey, Dr. Scott Beckstrand, his staff and the staff at Fellowship Village served as a beacon of light for her through their care. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on forever in all our hearts.

Survivors include; Husband, Henry ; her children, Mary Kuss (Bill) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Judy Berger (Jeff) of New York City; Marlyn (Lu) Moen of Foristell, Missouri; Martha (Jeff) Frohwein of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Dave Hoffman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Nine Grandchildren: Ashley(Andy) Henson of Farmington, Missouri; Alexandra (AJ) Kuss of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Elyse and Kirsten Moen of Foristell, Missouri; Jennifer (Jenny) Kuss of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Stephanie (Steph) Frohwein of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Amanda and Kelly Hoffman of Larchwood, Iowa; Matthew Frohwein of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and one Great Grandaughter, Harper Henson of Farmington, Missouri; Nine siblings and their spouses: Bert (Marge) Lems, Donna (Dean) Whitcomb, Paul (Janet) Lems, Emma (Bill) DeJong, Clarence (Alice) Lems, Hilda (Ber) Krommendyk, Ruth(Chuck) Oldenkamp, George Lems, Gerald(Cheryl) Lems; In-laws Dick(Ann) Dykstra, Dorothy Moen, Marlo and Jane Hanson and June and Don Katt; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Grace and brother John.

Source: Porter Funeral Home website.