Florence Ann Kalskett 1908-2006

KALSKETT, BOCKELMAN, MAHLER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/30/2009 at 22:15:37

Florence Kalskett
Sept. 18, 1908-June 29, 2006
Florence Ann Kalskett, 97, Moorhead, Iowa, died Thursday, June 29, 2006 at Dunlap, Iowa.

Florence was born September 18, 1908 at the family farm east of Ute, Iowa and at the age of ten, moved into Ute with her parents, Dietrich and Rosena (Bockelman) Mahler. She graduated from Ute High School in 1926 and then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

She and Winston H. Kalskett were united in marriage March 5, 1930 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Ute. The couple resided on the family farm at Moorhead where Florence lived until entering Dunlap Nursing & Rehab Center at Dunlap on November 17, 2004.

Florence was a typical farmer's wife of the 1930's and 1940's, working in the garden and harvesting crops along side with her husband. She made do with the simple things of life and was always contented to be in her home with her family. She loved her children and grandchildren and after Winston passed away in 1968, she was determined to live long enough to see all 14 grandchildren graduate from High School. Her last grandchild graduated in 1990 and Florence had celebrated with each one of them. She did have a full and enjoyable life.

She was baptized as an infant and confirmed March 25, 1923 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Ute. After her marriage, Florence transferred her church membership to Soldier Lutheran Church where she remained a member until her death. She participated in Mission Guild and later in Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church Association.

Survivors include four children and their spouses, James and Elsie Kalskett of Moorhead, Mary Helen and James Severson of Soldier, Anita and John Moorhead of Moorhead and Charles and Nancy Kalskett of Gretna, Nebraska; fourteen grandchildren, Gary Kalskett, Terri (Kalskett) Savery, Jeanne (Kalskett) Nelsen, Susan (Kalskett) Kirlin, Rita (Kalskett) Utman, Craig Kalskett, Douglas Severson, Matthew Severson, Sara (Severson) Price, Mary (Moorhead) Cumming, Ann (Moorhead) Forney, Charles R. Kalskett, Laura (Kalskett) Carper and Robert Kalskett; thirty-two great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Little of Portland, Oregon.

In addition to her husband, Winston, she was preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren, Larry and Lisa Kalskett; two sisters, Alma Kunze and Lena Kuhlman and a brother, Fred Mahler.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2006 at Soldier Lutheran Church, Soldier, Iowa, with Pastor Megan Manlove officiating. The congregation sang, "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" with Jean Dommer, organist. Burial was in Spring Valley Cemetery at Moorhead, Iowa. Visitation was 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. Arrangements were under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa.

Casket bearers were Robert B., Charles R., Gary and Craig Kalskett, Mary Cumming, Ann Forney, and Matt and Doug Seversen. Honorary bearers were Laura Carper, Sara Price, Terri Savery, Jeanne Nelsen, Susan Kirlin and Rita Utman.