Marian Loretta (Larson) DIDIO ERNST

DIDIO, ERNST, LARSON, RICHARDSON, STERN, PREWITT, DANIELS, STRONG, MENNENGA, SHEAR, YARGER, BETTEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/6/2010 at 15:04:50

January 15, 2008
Belmond Independent, Iowa

Marian Didio Ernst, 89, Belmond, died January 11, 2008 at The Meadows in Clarion. Mass of Christian burial was held January 15 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond with Rev. Bernard Grady and Deacon Nick Schmit officiating. Burial was in the St Francis Cemetery.

Marian Loretta, the daughter of Joseph and Ruth Richardson Larson, was born February 23, 1918 near Belmond. She graduated from Belmond High School in 1936. Marian married Carlyle A. Didio on July 24, 1937. They farmed and raised six children near Belmond. Then Marian returned to school and received her Bachelor's of Science in Education from Drake University. Carlyle passed away in 1979. Marian taught First grade in Belmond and Garner and retired in 1984. In 1986 Marian married Frank Ernst of Palmer. They lived near Palmer until Frank's death in 1996. Marian returned to Belmond where she lived until recently moving to the Meadows Assisted Living. Marian was a member of St. Francis Xavier where she was active in the Rosary Society, study clubs, and was a 60-year member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed many world travels. Marian was an avid card player and occupied her time with cross-word puzzles and reading. She looked forward to the monthly birthday club gathering. Most important to Marian was her family, of whom she was so very proud.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands; son Charles; brother Lowell Larson; and a daughter-in-law Kathy Didio. Marian is survived by daughters Sandra (Wayne) Stern of Rockford, IL, Mary Ruth Prewitt of San Diego, CA and Geraldine (Louis) Daniels of Glendale, AZ; sons Dennis "Cuddy" (Kim) of Clear Lake and Daniel of Belmond; grandchildren Mark (Kathleen) Stern, Michael Stern, John Stern, Jason (Karice) Stern, Kelsey Prewitt, Erin (Mike) Strong, Andrea Daniels, Natalyn Daniels, Diena (Daren) Mennenga, and Ryan Didio; eight great grandchildren; sisters Doris Shear of Kanawha, Clarice Yarger of San Diego, and JoAnn (Kerny) Betten of New Hampton; and brother James Larson of Kanawha.