Bambenek, Gladys E. (1923 - 2010)

BAMBENEK, SMITH, THORNBURG, BILLETER, MITCHEL, EVISON

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 4/9/2013 at 14:46:36

Posted by permission

Gladys Elaine Bambenek - Age 86

Gladys Elaine Bambenek, daughter of Henry and Ida (Smith) Thornburg, was born on June 8, 1923, in Harlan, Iowa. She attended Harlan High School and graduated with the class of 1940. After graduation, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked at local department stores. It was there that she met her future husband, George.

On July 24, 1945, Elaine was united in marriage to George Bambenek in Omaha, Nebraska. After their wedding, Elaine and George made their home in Omaha for a short time before moving to Colorado, where Elaine began her career in banking as an investment counselor. In 1972, Elaine and George moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa. After George’s death in 1987, Elaine continued to live in Fort Dodge for a year before moving to Harlan, Iowa.

Elaine loved to play cards and have fun with those around her. Family was very important to Elaine and she treasured family get-togethers.

Elaine died on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-six years, ten months, and twenty-seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; her sisters Doris, Marie and Virginia; her nephews Kenny and Rex; and her best friend, Helen Kremer.

She is survived by her nephew, Virgil Billeter and his wife Berlyn of Grafton, Virginia; her nieces: Sandra Mitchel of Citrus Heights, California; Mary Ann Evison of Murray, Iowa; and Kay Billiter of Winterset, Iowa; many great nieces and nephews; and her special friends and care givers: Marilyn Johnson, Peg Kramer, Joni Knoell, and Linda Knoell; other family members and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Virgil Billeter, Kenneth Billeter, and Rex Evison, Sr. acting as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Joni Knoell, Rex Evison, Jr., Mark Knoell, Linda Knoell, Dave Balerude, and Jon Borgman.