MEINEKE, Nellie Frances 1921-2012
MEINEKE, ECHEVERRIA, BALDWIN
Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/2/2013 at 11:10:59
Nellie Frances Meineke
OSAGE, IOWA - Nellie Frances Meineke found her way to heaven on December 30, 2012, surrounded by family at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa Hospice unit.
Online condolences may be left at www. FullertonFh.com. Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Iowa in memory of Nellie. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2012, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 705 Third Ave., Charles City, Iowa. Pastor Jane Keel will be officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City. Visitation will be held today, Wednesday, January 2, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, Iowa.
Nellie was born February 20th, 1921, to James and Graciella (Echeverria) Baldwin in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her parents met in Costa Rica during the construction of the Panama Canal. Her father had traveled from Sibley, Iowa, where he was born, to work on the canal for the government and met her mother "Grace" who was native to Costa Rica. She was the fifth born out of six girls. Her family then settled in Round Lake, Minnesota.
Nellie grew up surrounded by her closely bonded sisters and family. She would often tell humorous stories, between the giggles, that would swirl around memories of friends and family when she was younger. Often she would reflect about her Spanish mother, Graciella, and the beautiful heritage which she resembled. With love in her eyes and detail-filled descriptions which entailed the beautiful combs that adorned her mother's black hair to the dress that sashayed as her mother gracefully danced, you felt like you had once met this Spanish lady "Grace."
Nellie would tell of her mother's beautiful singing voice, the way she could play the guitar and times of her mother at the stove warming soft tortes', then filling them with beans and wrapping tight a delicious memory of flavor. She loved telling of her sisters and herself mastering the dance floor, and if you ever got a chance to see them in action you would know how true it was.
Nellie was united in marriage to Virgil Henry Meineke on August 30th, 1941. To this union three boys were born, Jeff, Rod, and Jim, after settling in Charles City, Iowa, from Virgil's successful military service as a Marine in World War II.
Nellie was a woman of character, always in good spirits, befriending everyone she would meet. She had a giving spirit and a sense of humor that lasted miles. She spread such joy; even in the darker moments her faith was still evident.
Nellie's love for her family had no boundaries, always so proud of her three sons and four grandchildren. After you walked into her apartment, within moments you would know how important those in her life were. You would first see a refrigerator covered with works of art by up-and-coming young "artists," degrees of achievement of her sons Jeff and Jim, along with photos of Rod, her son who passed away so many years ago but remained locked in her memory as a beautiful seventeen-year-old she couldn't wait to see again someday "when it was time for the Lord to take her."
Nellie had the gift to recognize the beauty in all things and with a giggle some things that fell a little short of "beautiful." Nellie had an amazing sense of style and boy, how she could put a wardrobe together, which was not limited to just clothes but included shoes, jewelry and handbags to add just the right touch. Make no mistake, though, if she thought you were fond of something she had, you just might end up with it as your own. Her generous nature was effortless and thoughtful, always thinking of others, and delighting in helping those who were in need. Her small kitchen on 908 10th Ave. was described by one of her grandchildren as "Grandma's Cafe." She could create a feast in what seemed like moments; you could practically dine on the delicious aroma whether it be fresh from scratch breaded fish, Spanish rice, or pumpkin pie with homemade crust. The key ingredient was always love - she never ran short of it, and never had to restock.
Nellie cherished time with family and friends, especially her companionship with her "Johnny" much later in life. John and Nellie found each other after both losing their spouses years earlier. They both described each other as a "saving grace," one saving the other from a broken heart. She loved to dance, laugh and simply live life happily. She never missed the chance to say "I love you," and there wasn't a time when she didn't mean it.
Nellie is survived by her special friend and loving companion, John Grant of Charles City, Iowa; son Jeff Meineke and wife Peg of Rapid City, S.D.; son James Meineke and wife Wendy of Osage, Iowa; grandchildren Robb Meineke of Colorado; Faith, Noah and Aaron Meineke of Osage, Iowa; sister-in-law Dorothy Meineke of Charles City, Iowa; three sisters, Olga Jacobson of Round Lake, Minn.; Daya of Worthington, Minn.; Nora Vance of Chicago, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews, as well as so many dear friends.
Nellie was preceded in death by her dear husband Virgil Meineke, her son Rodney Meineke, her parents Graciella and James Baldwin, two sisters Betsie and Marie, sister-in-law Marlise and seven brothers-in-law and dear nieces and nephews.
Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, January 2, 2013
Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen