Obituary of Allene Baichtal

Allene Faye (Huibregtse) Baichtal, the daughter of Ed and Faye (Raymond) Huibregtse, was born on February 15, 1942 in rural Sanborn, Iowa. She received her early education in Sanborn, graduated from Sanborn Public High School in 1960, and Morningside College in 1965. She was very proud of her college alma mater, and spent two years as Alumni Director for Morningside College from 1979-1981. On December 31, 1988, Allene married Blaine Baichtal in Sioux City, Iowa, and they made their home in Santa Maria, California. They later divorced. Blaine's sons and their families remained very special people in Allene's life. Throughout her working career, Allene made use of her education and experiences in a variety of different places, and in a variety of different capacities. No matter the place or position, she had a special gift for public relations. She especially excelled when working for the Chamber of Commerce in Santa Maria, California and in Sanborn. She tirelessly worked to increase the number of Chamber members, and was involved in much of the organizing and implementing of Chamber-sponsored events. She was a consummate supporter and promoter of her hometown community. Her weekly newspaper articles kept people, both locally and abroad, informed of what was happening in Sanborn. Allene loved music from a young age, and it was a very big part of her life no matter where she lived. She continually sought opportunities to use her musical gifts. She enjoyed working with the Symphony Orchestras in both Santa Maria and Northwest Iowa. She served as a board member and part-time staff person with the Northwest Iowa Symphony. Allene's faith in Jesus Christ was an integral part of her life, and she lived daily for Him. She was active in the churches she attended, and was currently a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sanborn. Her friends were a very important part of her life, and she treasured them. She loved to travel and has been all over the world. Wherever she went and wherever she lived, she made many friends that she stayed in touch with. Because there were so many other things and people that were significant to her, space does not allow them all to be mentioned. Among the organizations she was currently active in, were the Sanborn Preservation Society, the O'Brien County Foundation Board, and the Friends of the Library. A survivor of cancer twice before, Allene was diagnosed in March of this year with metastatic melanoma of the liver. Her optimistic outlook kept her active despite the prognosis, and she continued on with her life until it was no longer possible. She never complained, but accepted God’s will for her life. On Wednesday, July 28, 2010, she entered into eternity while at home in Sanborn, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was 68 years old. Survivors include her brother, Ray Huibregtse of Sanborn; nephew, Steve Huibregtse of Austin, Texas; niece Elizabeth (Tim) Carlson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Guy Wolfinger, of Longmont, Colorado (husband of her late niece, Leigh); two great-nephews, five great-nieces, two great-great nephews and a great-great niece. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Huibregtse, and her niece, Leigh Anne Wolfinger. A Celebration of Life Allene Faye Baichtal Born ~ February 15, 1942 Died ~ July 28, 2010 Age ~ 68 years 5 months 13 days Funeral Service 1:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2010 First Presbyterian Church Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Gregg Johnson Organist ~ Arlene Dykstra Pianist ~ Judy Dykstra Soloist ~ Mickey Rahn "A Medley" "Angels Among Us" Congregational Singing "Amazing Grace" #202 "It Is Well With My Soul" #493 "How Great Thou Art" #4 Pallbearers Rex Raymond Lonny Klever Jack Jones Scott Petrich Phil Warnke Gerard Zach Ed Babcock Joel Gibbons Ushers Cloy Albert Howard Postma Flower Attendants Cherie Koontz Debbie Raymond Carolyn Bohnet Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa "Remember to shop locally!" -Allene