Wiederholt, Blanche 1925-2009

WIEDERHOLT, VAN GORKOM, SINGER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/30/2009 at 16:32:52

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, November 30, 2009

Blanche Wiederholt, 84, of Remsen, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars.

Blanche was born March 21, 1925, at Le Mars, the daughter of Clarence and Cora (Van Gorkom) Singer. Blanche was raised in Union Township and graduated from Union High School in 1943.

After receiving her teacher's certificate from Westmar College, she taught in a country school until she married Leonard Wiederholt Feb. 25, 1946. To this union were born two sons, Robert and Michael.

The couple farmed in the Remsen area until Leonard's retirement in 1983 when they moved into Remsen. Leonard died Feb. 13, 1992.

Blanche was active during her years on the farm as an embroidery paint artist/dealer and enjoyed arts and crafts. Having a love of music, Blanche played her piano and organ frequently and was also a member of the Sweet Adeline's chapter in Le Mars.

When she and Leonard retired to Remsen, she prepared and served meals at the senior center in town and was also known for many years as a wonderful cake decorator for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.

Blanche took great pleasure in being with her children and grandchildren and loved to take pictures of the times they were together. She also treasured time with her friends from town and country and especially enjoyed attending performances of community groups and the local schools.

Blanche will be remembered for her love of animals, especially her pets.

She was a member of Remsen St. Mary's Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, Court Joan of Arc and the Remsen St. Mary's Guild.

Blanche is survived by her son, Robert Wiederholt of Ankeny; son Michael Wiederholt and his wife, LeAnn of Remsen; and former daughters-in-laws Pat Wagaman of Ankeny and Karen Wiederholt of West Des Moines; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Doris Singer, Helen Wiederholt, Rita Wiederholt and Elaine Wiederholt, all of Le Mars, and Agnes Wiederholt of Granville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Donald Singer, her husband, Leonard; a grandson, Nicholas Wiederholt; six brother-in-laws, Vitus, Marvin, Urban, Bernard, Luverne and Ermine Wiederholt; and one sister-in-law, Verina Beckmann and her husband Frank.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen with the Rev. William McCarthy officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Remsen. Friends may call anytime after 2 p.m. today (Monday). There will be a parish rosary at 3 p.m., and vigil prayer service at 7:30 p.m., all at the Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen.

Casket Bearers will be, Eric, Troy, Adam, Scott and John Wiederholt and Tom Singer.