Potter, Florence (1929-2014)
POTTER, BENJAMIN, RONGSTAD, PATTERSON, FRIIS, DEVRIES, NELSON, DEAN, ARNEVIK, THOMPSON
Posted By: Paul Nay (email)
Date: 9/1/2014 at 11:19:31
Florence Potter
February 25, 1929 - July 21, 2014FLORENCE POTTER, 85, of Forest City, formerly of Buffalo Center, died on Monday, July 21, 2014, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
A daughter of John and Clara (Rongstad) Benjamin, Florence was born in Bradgate, Iowa, (Humboldt County) on February 25, 1929. She attended country schools there until her parents moved to a farm near Buffalo Center, Iowa, when she was in the 8th grade. Afterwards, she and her sister, Gloria, attended Buffalo Center High School.
In 1945, Florence married Herbert M. Patterson. Five daughters were born to this union before the marriage ended in divorce. Florence, then, returned to the Buffalo Center area.
In due course, the auctioneer, Col. Roy B. Johnson, introduced Florence to his good friend, Kenneth “Kenny” Potter. They married in 1961, and Kenny became an instant father to five daughters. Florence referred to him as her “bonus.” Kenny adopted all five of Florence’s daughters, and in 1963, Michael was born. When asked about all the work of raising six kids, she said she never thought of it as work.
The couple purchased a farm north of Thompson and resided there throughout their married life. Florence was a faithful wife and helpmate as they farmed together. Over the years, they celebrated many occasions at Trinity Lutheran Church near the farm where Florence actively participated in the women’s ministries and served as President of the local AAL/Thrivent Chapter.
Florence will be remembered as a woman of quiet strength whose perseverance got her through some hard years. Her children remember her as courageous and forgiving. She did not dwell on the past but looked to the future, and she reached her greatest achievements as wife, mother, and grandmother.
An accomplished seamstress, Florence made her own and her daughters’ clothing. She taught all her daughters to sew and also sewed for others. Known for generously sharing produce with the neighbors, she maintained a large garden She also entered breads and pickles in contests at the Winnebago County Fair, winning many blue ribbons.
Her other gifts and talents included quilting, refinishing furniture, piecing quilts, and volunteering in the “Little Country School House” in Thompson. She always had plenty of home cooked food and coffee in case anyone stopped to visit. She could always make room for one more at the table.
After retiring in 1991, Florence and Kenny moved to Buffalo Center. Kenny died in October, 1995.
Florence will be remembered for the way she cared for Kenny during his lengthy illness prior to his death. Following his passing, Florence worked as a receptionist at the Timely Mission Nursing Home for seven years. She also enjoyed working part-time as a seamstress in the community.
After living her whole life in the Buffalo Center and Thompson areas, Florence moved to Forest Plaza Assisted Living Center in Forest City. She felt at home there with her many friends…. both residents and caregivers. As her health eventually started failing, Florence had to move to the Good Samaritan Society in Forest City. Even though her mobility and memory were limited, she enjoyed greeting people from her prime location.
Florence left this life on July 21, 2014, at the age of 85. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Potter, her sister and best friend, Gloria (Benjamin) Friis, and her parents, John and Clara Benjamin. She is survived by all six of her children and their spouses, Diane and Chuck DeVries, of Orlando, Florida, Marilyn and Chuck Nelson, of Enumclaw, Washington, Christine and Bill Dean, of Jones, Oklahoma, Lonnie and Dan Arnevik, of Thompson, Iowa, Lana and Kevin Thompson, of Forest City, Iowa, and Michael and Lanna Potter, of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as by nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at the Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center, on Thursday, July 24, 2014, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Her family will welcome you to come and share your happy memories. A celebration of Florence’s life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center on Friday, July 25, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Bill Peake officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery North of Buffalo Center.
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Winter FuneralHome and Cremation Service
Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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