Lillian Whitmer

Lillian Whitmer, age 80, of Galva, Iowa died Thursday, April, 15, 2004 at the Holstein Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 19, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Galva. Friends may call at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller between 2:00 and 6:00 pm on Sunday, April 18, 2004, where the family will be present from 4:00 to 6:00. Burial will be in Galva Township East Cemetery at Galva, under the direction of the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller.

Lillian Haden was born on October 3, 1923 at Galva, Iowa to Albert and Freda (Hartman) Haden. She spent her childhood in her parents’ home in Galva, receiving her education from the Galva School, where she graduated from high school with the Class of 1941. Lillian was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Galva, where she was baptized and confirmed.

On July 26, 1942, Lillian was united in marriage with Howard “Pete” Whitmer. Their union was blessed with three children: Sandra, Connie and Judy.

Lillian was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother whose first priority was to make a warm and comfortable home for her family. She also worked outside her home as a cook at the Galva school building.

Lillian enjoyed sewing and embroidery and liked to cook for family and friends. A doting grandmother, Lillian treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and found great pleasure in spending time with them and attending their various activities. Lillian and Pete loved to watch their grandchildren’s sports events, never missing one.

Left to treasure her memory are her daughters: Sandra Schaefer of Schaller, Connie Nielson of Cherokee and Judy Whitmer of Galva; grandchildren: Dr. Jamie Whitmer of Galva, Shannan (Schaefer) Bragg and husband Mark of Des Moines, Reid Schaefer and wife Christine of Des Moines, Colby Nielsen of Cherokee, Carrie (Nielson) Cordova and husband Chris of Cherokee, and Cindy (Nielson) Weflen and husband Randy of Marcus; great-grandchildren: Kennedy and Carter Bragg, Breanna, Andrew and Bailey Cordova, and Nathan and Kimberly Weflen of Marcus; two sisters: Dorothy Whitmer of Galva and Leona McElroy of Ida Grove; and many other family members and friends.

Preceding Lillian in death were her parents; her husband, Howard “Pete”; and two sisters: LaVonne Haworth and Gerry Olson.