Obituary of Lois Donnenwerth

Memorial Tribute Lois Cecelia Donnenwerth, daughter of Fred M. and Emma (Philip) Schultz, was born on a farm near Melvin in Osceola County, Iowa on January 3, 1919. She was baptized on February 9, 1919, and confirmed June 5, 1932 at St. John's Lutheran Church in May City, Iowa. She received her early education at country school, then graduated from Melvin High School. On January 22, 1939, Lois was united in marriage to Lyle Donnenwerth of May City. They were blessed with three children: Gary Lyle, Janis Kay, and Debra Ann. Together they raised their family and farmed land in Harrison Township in Osceola County. In 1978, Lyle and Lois left the farm and moved into the town of May City. After Lyle's death on November 7, 1993, Lois continued to live in their house at May City. She was a life-long member of St. John's Lutheran Church there, filling the role of Sunday School teacher for many years. She was also an active member of the Ladies Aid Society, having served in all of the offices at various times throughout the years. In September of 2015, Lois moved to the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Iowa where she passed from this life on August 26, 2016 at the age of 97. Preceding her in death were her parents, Fred and Emma Schultz; her husband, Lyle; and two sisters: Leola Harms and Ardyce Winter. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Gary of Suwanee, GA, Janis Cates of Lewisville, TX, and Debra (Craig) Seleen of Mesa, AZ; six grandchildren: Jeff (Sandy) Donnenwerth, Katie (Ken) Hagerman, Amy (Donald) Biggers, Scott Cates, Benjamin (Rikki) Seleen, and Christopher (Monique) Seleen; nine great-grandchildren: Sierra Cates, Jeremy Biggers, Jason Biggers, Miles Donnenwerth, Jordan Biggers, Jacob Cates, Joseph Biggers, Emma Donnenwerth, and Rori Seleen; two great-great-grandchildren: Trey, and Jace; sister-in-law, Audrey Donnenwerth; as well as many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Lois C. Donnenwerth Born ~ January 3, 1919 Died ~ August 26, 2016 Age ~ 97 years 7 months 23 days FUNERAL SERVICE Tuesday, August 30, 2016 ~ 10:30 a.m. St. John's Lutheran Church May City, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Neil Wehmas Organist ~ Heidi Fenske Congregational Singing Processional ~ "When Peace Like A River" "I'm But A Stranger Here" Recessional ~ "Be Still My Soul" Pallbearers Ben Seleen Jeff Donnenwerth Scott Cates Mike Donnenwerth Jerry Donnenwerth Doug Harms Chris Seleen Jason Biggers Interment Harrison Township Cemetery May City, Iowa