Barghahn, Christianna Marie (Oehler) 1911-2009

BARGHAHN, OEHLER, HOWRY

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 20:47:26

Marie Barghahn passed away on July 26, 2009 at her retirement community in Tucson, Az. at the ripe old age of 97 years, 8 months and 29 days. As a long time resident of Knoxville her zest for life and participation in many community activities influenced several generations.

Christianna Marie, daughter of Edward and Louise Howry Oehler, was born October 27, 1911 on a farm near Moravia, Iowa. After graduating from Moravia Public Schools in 1929, she earned a teaching certificate in two years from Iowa Wesleyan College. After teaching for four years she resumed her education at the University of Iowa receiving a BA degree in home economics the morning of June 7, 1937. That same day at four in the afternoon Marie was married to Kenneth Barghahn in Marshalltown, IA.

Kenneth and Marie made their first home in Grinnell, IA where he had been teaching. Kenneth taught there a total of 8 years. Their daughters, Linda Louise and Diane Marie were born there. In 1944 the family moved to Knoxville, IA where Kenneth became managing partner of Oehler Bros. Firestone Store. Their son, Bruce was born in Knoxville. The family attended and became active members of the First United Methodist Church. They were also very active members of the community. Marie served as president of Mentor Study Club, PEO, Retired Teacher’s Associating, AAUW, and the Knoxville Concert Series.

Marie regularly substitute taught in the Knoxville Community Schools. She then taught homemaking and geography half-time in the junior high for 16 years. She retired in 1973 after her husband’s death on March 4, 1970.

This was the beginning of Marie’s independent and adventurous stage of life. On a whim, she signed up for an NEA tour around the world. She continued traveling in the 80’s, visiting a total of 40 different countries. In 2001 Marie gave up her Knoxville home and moved to a retirement community in Oro Valley, AZ near her daughter, Diane.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth and daughter, Linda Frobom. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Wildblood (Jim); son, Bruce Barghahn (Lisa); 6 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Marie will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 11, 2009 at 1: 00 p.m. at Graceland Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home Aug. 4, 2009