Byrdena "Birdie" Dlugosch

Byrdena â€œBirdieâ€ Elbert Dlugosch, age 96, died March 7, 2014. Byrdena was born February 7, 1918, the daughter of John and Althea Leora Mundon Elbert. She was born in Swan Lake Township, Pocahontas, Iowa. Brydena attended grammar school in Spencer, Iowa and after moving to Storm Lake, she graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1935. Following graduation, she attended Chillicothe Business School, Iowa State and graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Nutrition, and was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority. After graduation, she taught in Schaller, Iowa. Byrdena was a member of St. Maryâ€™s Catholic Church in Storm Lake where she was actively involved in the Ladiesâ€™ Guild. She also was very active in the Catholic Daughters of America. She spent numerous hours volunteering at St. Maryâ€™s School, which her children attended. She was a lifetime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Byrdena was an avid bridge player and had the most beautiful bridge parties. Her cooking was amazing, with her caramel rolls being legendary. She was known for her elegant fashion never leaving the house without her pearls. She mentored so many, teaching them to live their life with beauty and grace, once telling a newlywed, who had asked for advice on how to entertain,â€¦ â€œnever be afraid to take your crystal champagne glass out on a golf cartâ€¦ it makes all the difference.â€ On July 1, 1941, Byrdena was united in marriage to Paul Albert Dlugosch at St. Maryâ€™s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. She and Paul were always togetherâ€”they traveled extensively and were at each otherâ€™s side for over 70 years. Together, they were blessed with three children; Paul John, Susan Kay and Anne Lee all of whom she loved unconditionally and whom she taught by her example to live life to the fullest. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Paul John (Joyce) Dlugosch, Susan (Patrick) Ormsby and Anne (Kevin) McGrath; her eleven grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Paul Albert (Andrea) Dlugosch; Pete (Kelly) Dlugosch; Mindy (Paul) Purcell; Lisa (Teddy) Sampson; Jennifer Armstrong; Patrick (Susan) Ormsby; Christopher (Dr. Raechel Willard) Ormsby; Kevin McGrath; Timothy McGrath; Brian (Elizabeth) McGrath; Molly McGrath and nineteen great grandchildren; her nieces: Patricia, Julie and Becky Elbert; extended family and many friends. Birdie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Dlugosch; her parents, John and Leora Elbert; and her stepbrother, George and his wife, Lucille Elbert. She will be missed by all.

Byrdena "Birdie" Dlugosch

February 7, 1918 - March 7, 2014