Nantz, Thelma Bernice Johanssen Kirby

NANTZ, JOHANSSEN, KIRBY, WERNER, STUTZEL, FUJII

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer Poster (email)
Date: 1/24/2009 at 07:34:51

Nantz, Thelma Bernice Johanssen Kirby View/Sign Guest Book

DEWITT — Mrs. Thelma Bernice Johanssen Kirby Nantz, 85, DeWitt, died Sunday, January 18, 2009, in her home.She was born October 17, 1923, in rural DeWitt, Iowa, to Anton and Anna (Werner) Johannsen. Mrs. Nantz graduated from DeWitt High School and married Adrian M. Kirby on March 13, 1943. She later married Wayne E. Nantz who passed away August 26, 1967. Mrs. Nantz was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church and was active in church work in numerous organizations. During WWII she worked at the Rock Island Arsenal. Later she assisted her husband Wayne at Nantz Incorporated Implement Company in DeWitt. After 1967 she worked for the City of DeWitt for a number of years. Mrs. Nantz was very active in civic organizations including the Hospital Auxiliary and The American Legion. She was proud of being a charter board member of United Manor. She was also proud to be a founding board member of Mobile Meals, an organization that she directed and participated in for 30 years, serving thousands of DeWitt citizens in need. Mrs. Nantz enjoyed travel, reading, sewing and her yard, garden and dogs. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and traveling with her sister Albernetta for extended visits.Thelma was further preceded in death by her parents, and five brothers, Anton, Alfred, Edward, Raymond and LeRoy Johannsen, and by three sisters: Alvina and Albernetta Johannsen, and Evelyn Stutzel. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Kathie Kirby and granddaughter, Anna; a daughter and son-in-law, Debra Kirby and Alan Fujii and grandchildren Ryan and Maude Fujii; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two stepsons, Wayne P. Nantz and his wife, Mary Jean and Steven Nantz as well as numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2009. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2009, in Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, with the Rev. Timothy J. Carr officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. The family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church.Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute and complete obituary viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.Death date: Jan. 18, 2009
Published in the Clinton Herald from 1/22/2009 - 1/23/2009