McCune, Zelma M. (1921-2008)

MCCUNE, EILERS

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/10/2008 at 20:15:30

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, July 8, 2008

Zelma M. Eilers McCune, 86, of Phoenix, Ariz., and formerly of Sheldon and the Le Mars area, died Sunday, Jue 29, 2008, at Amber Hills Assisted Living in Phoenix.

Zelma Marie (Eilers) McCune was born Sept. 19, 1921, on a farm near Struble, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church near Le Mars. Zelma graduated with teacher certification from Le Mars High School and taught at a country school near her family's farm. On Nov. 23, 1941, Zelma married George Eilers at Craig. In 1949, the couple purchased a farm near Sheldon where she lived for over 40 years. Zelma's husband, George preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 1987.

On Feb. 13, 1993, Zelma married Paul McCune of Sedona, Ariz. They made their home there until his death on Jan. 25, 1999.

Zelma was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church in Sheldon participating in various activities there. She and George were active for several years in the "Sheldon Squarenader" a square dancing group, ultimately leading the organization as co-presidents. In Arizona, Zelma returned to her roots in her love of the piano. She and Paul organized and performed in many family and neighborhood concerts as an organ/piano duo. After Paul's death, Zelma became the church pianist for her RV Park's church services.

Zelma is survived by her three children, Gene Eilers and his wife, Delores of Scottsdale, Ariz., Judy Riemersma and her husband, Harold of Ashton and Joan Oakes and her husband, Bill of Junction City, Ore.; seven grandchildren, Robin Klemme, Craig Riemersma, Tana Harlan, Shawn Elliott, Kyle Eilers, Michael Oakes and Dawn Oakes; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Gerd and his wife, Phyllis Ludwigs of Akron; and two sisters-in-law, Irene Ludwigs and Evelyn Ludwigs, both of Le Mars.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, George and Paul; her parents; a sister, Catherine Gellerman; and brothers, John, George, and Hilbert.

Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon with the Rev. David E. Loveall officiating. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Matlock, with a graveside service at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

Visitation with family present from 8 to 10 a.m. prior to the service at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home of Sheldon.