Florence Buchholtz

Florence M. Buchholtz, age 94 of Alta Vista, IA, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA. Florence Marie Buchholtz was born on November 29, 1914 to Rudolph and Celia (Boehmer) Priebe near Alta Vista and was the oldest of five children. She attended Wildwood Country School west of Alta Vista. Florence lived on the family farm until her marriage to Art Buchholtz on September 29, 1936 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elma. The couple farmed near Alta Vista and later bought a farm southeast of Alta Vista where Florence lived until moving to the Colonial Manor in 2005. Florence was instrumental in beginning the hot lunch program at the Alta Vista School. She also spent many years helping on the family farm, working as a School cook and bartender in Alta Vista and at the Blue Bird in Elma. Florence enjoyed playing cards, visiting with friends and family, and crocheting. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista. Florence is survived by her four children, Mary Ann Haugen of New Hampton, IA, Betty Jensen of Oelwein, IA, William (Mary) Buchholtz of Alta Vista, IA, and Carol Anderson of New Hampton, IA; ten grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild; one brother Leo (Faith) Priebe of Elma, IA; two sister-in-laws Wilma Priebe of Independence, IA and Jeannie Priebe of Evansdale, IA; and several nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband Arthur on January 14, 1987; three brothers Roland, Clifford and Bob Priebe; one grandson David William Haugen; three son-in-laws Bernard Haugen, Wayne Jensen and Jerry Anderson. Cemetery: Burial will be in Howard Cemetery in Elma. Visitation: Visitation will be held 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be at 10:30am on Friday, June 12, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista with Reverend Matthew Voyer as officiant.