Ivabelle Arlene (Clausen) BLOCK

CLAUSEN, BLOCK, HICKOCK, DOAK, BUMP, STEINER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/20/2011 at 11:12:08

February 28, 1925 -- February 17, 2011

RENWICK, IA - Ivabelle Arlene Block was born on February 28, 1925 to Casper and Hansena Clausen in Audubon, Iowa. She grew up and graduated from school in Audubon and moved to California to live with her aunts and worked as a secretary for the U. S. military. Ivy married Claus Arnold (Arnie) Block on Oct. 9, 1945 and followed him in his career with the U. S. Navy. In 1958, Arnie and Ivy returned to Renwick, Iowa to his family home to raise their family. They were active members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and served the community in many ways. They especially appreciated their acreage with the many trees, flowers, and birds. Ivy enjoyed tending the flowers and making bouquets for her friends and family. Together they enjoyed many family gatherings, reunions, and attended their children and grandchildren's school events. Ivy enjoyed cooking and baking and making butterhorns, chocolate cakes, and apple pies were her specialty. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before Arnie passed away on May 4, 1996.

Ivy struggled with failing eyesight in her later years and moved to Springvale Assisted Living in Humboldt. She then moved to Ramsey Homes in Des Moines, where she resided until several weeks ago. Ivabelle passed away on February 17th at the age of 85 at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA.

Ivy is survived by a son Mark Block of Ankeny, IA, a daughter Lynne Hickock and husband Harlan of Largo, FL, and daughter-in-law Donna Block of Ankeny. She had three grandchildren, Audra Doak and husband Ryan of Ankeny, Maia Block of Waukee, and Haley Hickock of Largo, Fl. Ivy had two great grandchildren, Rowan and Ashlyn Doak. She is also survived by her late husband's siblings, Myrtle Bump, Eva Steiner, Carroll Block, Ken Block, and her late brother's wife, Maxine Clausen. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Arnie, and brother Charles Clausen.

Visitation will be Monday, February 21, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Renwick from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Lynn J. Noel officiating. Burial will be at Vernon Township Cemetery. Memorials will be used in accordance with the family's wishes. Arrangements are being handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services of Renwick.

February 20, 2011
Fort Dodge Messenger - Iowa