Beitelspacher, Louise 1907-2009

BEITELSPACHER, RENKEN, BRABANDER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/10/2009 at 17:57:12

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, February 10, 2009

Louise Beitelspacher, 101, of Le Mars died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 at Plymouth Manor Care Center at Le Mars.

Louise Wilhelmina Renken was born Oct. 20, 1907, on the family farm in Grant Township, rural Plymouth County, the daughter of Herman and Anna (Brabander) Renken. Louise was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church. She received her education at the Christ Lutheran Parochial School.

Louise was united in marriage to H.H. Beitelspacher Aug. 11, 1931, in the Christ Lutheran Church parsonage. Together, Louise and H.H. farmed in Grant Township for many years until their retirement in 1975 when they moved to Brunsville. In 2000, H.H. and Louise moved to the Six-Plex in Akron.

H.H. died Feb. 26, 2002. In July 2006, Louise moved to Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Louise was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church where she had been a Ladies Aid member, Jr. Luther League leader, and volunteered wherever help was needed.

Her family was her main priority in life. She enjoyed Sunday meals with her children and grandchildren. Later in life, Louise enjoyed attending school activities, sporting events, and church activities that involved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Louise enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends, gardening, performing with the Akron Bellringers and quilting. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have a quilted item from Louise. She had attended every Plymouth County Fair from her birth through last year.

Survivors include her eight children: Don Beitelspacher and his wife Betty of Brunsville, Laura Mae Nathlich and her husband Gerald of Woodward, Delores Buryanek and her husband Jim of Westfield, Joan Renken and her husband Erv of Brunsville, Arlene Sorensen and her husband Larry of Storm Lake, Janice Pritchett and her husband Larry of Westfield, Ed Beitelspacher and his wife Doris of Le Mars, and Wayne Beitelspacher and his wife Julie of Le Mars; 24 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; one brother, Lester Renken and his wife Beulah of Newman Grove, Neb.; a sister, Florence Utech of Le Mars; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Renken and Esther Renken of Le Mars; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband, several brothers and sisters, and a daughter in infancy.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Christ Lutheran Church, Grant Township, rural Le Mars, Iowa (27071 C-16) with the Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating. Interment will be in the Christ Lutheran Cemetery. Visitations with the family present will be after 4 p.m. today (Tuesday) at Christ Lutheran Church with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitations will continue Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be David Pritchett, Luke Beitelspacher, Sheryl Herrold, Jeff Buryanek, Steve Beitelspacher, Scott Renken, Lori Ollerich, and Kelly Beitelspacher. Honorary pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.