Riha, Agnes Ann (Holthaus) 1927 - 2017

RIHA, HOLTHAUS, SCHMITT, HACKMAN, SPALLA, FOREMAN, MUHLENBRUCK, FISHER, SCHILDMEYER, CROATT, JIRAK, RAUSCH, BRANNON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/13/2017 at 10:35:26

Agnes Riha, age 89, of Decorah, IA, died on Friday, January 6, 2017, at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2017, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery, Decorah, IA.

Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2017, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 9:30 a.m., at the church on Saturday morning. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m., on Friday at the funeral home.

Agnes Ann (Holthaus) Riha was born on December 31, 1927, the daughter of Felix and Agnes (Schmitt) Holthaus on the family farm near Festina, Iowa. Agnes attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina. Agnes was united in marriage to Edward Riha on May 5, 1947, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina, Iowa. Together they farmed for a few years near New Hampton and then moved to Ridgeway, where they farmed for forty-five years, retiring and moving to Decorah in 1994. Agnes was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, and enjoyed helping with the funeral dinner committee. She was extremely talented. She had a passion for sewing clothes for her children as well as her daughters’ dolls. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and embroidering towels. She fashioned many quilts, afghans and embroidered towels for her children and grandchildren. She loved attending antique shows and auctions. Thus, taking up the talent of refinishing furniture. Agnes was wonderful cook and baker. She was always insistent that she fed everyone who visited and no one ever left hungry. Aside from her creative talents, Agnes loved to play cards and was a devote Chicago Cubs fan. She was elated when they finally won the World Series!

Agnes is survived by her two sons: Frank Riha & wife Jo, Decorah, IA and Gene Riha, Ridgeway, IA. Five daughters: Rosemary Hackman & husband Ronald, Cedar Rapids, IA; Carol Spalla & husband Alois, Fountain, MN; Betty Foreman & husband John, St. Lucas, IA; Connie Muhlenbruck & husband Alan, Mediapolis, IA and Lori & husband Wade Fisher, Rochester, MN. Seventeen grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren. Two sisters: Lillian Holthaus, Decorah, IA; Caroline Schildmeyer, Ossian, IA. Sisters-in-law: Dorothy Holthaus, Cresco, IA; Verena Croatt, West Union, IA; Barbara (James) Jirak, Fort Atkinson, IA; Shirley Riha, Waucoma, IA, and Mary Riha, Cresco, IA. Brothers-in-law: Leonard Riha, Madison, WI; Francis (Regina) Riha, Waucoma, IA, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents: Felix and Agnes (Schmitt) Holthaus. Her husband: Edward Riha on Dec. 10, 2001. Grandson: Steven Hackman. Sister: Rosemary Holthaus.Brothers: Severin Holthaus, Augustine (Ethel) Holthaus, Ralph (Olivia) Holthaus, Francis (Luella) Holthaus, Rudy (Germaine) Holthaus. Sisters-in-law: Loretta (Alex) Rausch, Angeline (William) Brannon and Mildred Riha. Brothers-in-law: James Croatt, Daniel Riha, Mathias Riha and Joe Schildmeyer.

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

St. Benedict Cemetery
 

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