Featherston, Nina Wanda 1925-2005

FEATHERSTON, GERDES, PLUEGER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/20/2007 at 17:29:29

Nina W. Featherston, 80, of Le Mars, died Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at Brentwood Good Samaritan Village in Le Mars.

Nina Wanda Featherston was born Jan. 26, 1925, on a farm near Le Mars, the daughter of Walter and Anna (Plueger) Gerdes. She graduated from Le Mars High School in 1943. Following her education, Nina moved to the state of Washington to be near her brother who was serving in the Armed Forces. She later moved to California and worked as an office clerk. After a few short years, Nina returned to Le Mars and worked at Stevens Cleaners.

On August 15, 1949, Nina and Gerald G. "Jerry" Featherston were united in marriage at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. The couple made their home on a farm in Union Township, Plymouth County. Nina and Jerry loved to dance and belonged to various card clubs. They also traveled and camped extensively. During the summers Nina and Jerry enjoyed having family and friends stay with them on the farm. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking for her guests. They retired from farming in 1975 and moved to Le Mars. Jerry died on May 22, 1989. Nina moved to Brentwood Good Samaritan Village on July 11, 2001.

Nina was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. She belonged to the Dorcas Circle and later the Ruth Circle, served on Altar Guild and quilted. Nina volunteered a great deal of time with various organizations. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, Past Matron and P.E.O. She and Jerry were instrumental in organizing a local American Heart Association Chapter. She was active with Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary, Brentwood Auxiliary, Plymouth County Civil Defense, Le Mars Alumni Association, Peer Helpers, Plymouth County Fair, as well as many other groups and organizations. Nina enjoyed needlework, sewing and china painting.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Harden and her husband, Ross of Le Mars and Pat Berendes and her husband, Steven of Red Oak; grandchildren, Kirsten Stewart and her husband Toby of Lincoln, Neb., Niels Harden of Sioux Falls, S.D., Morgan Harden of Le Mars, Brad Berendes and his wife, Jodi of Omaha, Neb., and Jason Berendes and his wife, Shauna of Omaha, Neb.; great-grandchildren Trey, Cade, Tage, Ashton, Blakley and Cash Berendes all of Omaha, Neb., and Elijah Stewart of Lincoln, Neb.; two sisters-in-law, Esther Mungon of Akron, and Celesta Krieg of Kingsley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jerry; a brother Elmer Gerdes; and a sister Leola Lindgren.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. The Rev. Gary Landsness will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. today (Friday) at the Mauer -- Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present from 5 to 8 p.m. and there will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Le Mars High School Class of 1943. Pallbearers will be Brad Berendes, Kirsten Stewart, Jason Berendes, Niels Harden, Morgan Harden, and Toby Stewart.

[Part of the Darrell Easton Obituary Collection; source: LeMars Sentinel]