Vendola (Warneke) Petra (1921-2018)
PETRA, WARNEKE, BECKER
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:14
Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.
Vendola Warneke Petra, age 97, often remarked "For everything there has to be a last time," and for her family, that last time to say goodbye to their beloved mother, was on August 31, 2018.
Vendola was born February 28, 1921, in Readlyn, Iowa, (Bremer County) to Henry Warneke and Alma Becker Warneke. She was raised on the family farm near Readlyn, Iowa. Always a voracious reader, she enjoyed reading local and world news, prizing information and education. Most rural children, at that time, attended school only through 8th grade, but the Readlyn school superintendant, recognizing Vendola's intellectual ability, convinced her father to allow her to attend high school, where she graduated with honors.
Her love of learning reinforced her support of education. Higher education was valued, and she ensured that all three of her children attained Masters Degrees. She, herself, was the epitomine of a lifelong learner.
She married Joe W. Petra on October 25, 1941; their marriage was one very few are blessed to experience.
She was devoted, supportive, dedicated, putting family first, and was a wonderful role model for her children, who were her pride. She always said that she and Joe may not have been perfect parents, but their love for their children, was. Her strength and values will be carried on in the legacy she leaves behind.
Vendola retired from the Catalog Department of the Rod Library, University of Nothern Iowa, in 1986, after 25 years of service. It was the perfect job for her. She was charged, in those early days of computers, with moving the library's catalog conversion to a computerized system.
After retirement, and the death of her beloved husband Joe, Vendola moved from Cedar Falls to Ames, to be near her children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Lorenz, Melvin and Wilber, one granddaughter, and her husband, Joe. She is survived by three children, Susan Petra and Ross Petra, both of Ames, and Joseph Petra residing in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. Also three granddaughters, Romy, Jennifer and Tiffany.
Continuing her support of education, Vendola donated her body for the advancement of medical research and study, to the University of Iowa College of Medicine.
Our family is extremely grateful for the exceptional care and affection given to our mother, by the extraordinary care-givers at Eastern Star, Boone, and Kindred Hospice.
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Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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