Regina Gansen
September 21, 1931 ~ December 12, 2014
Regina Mary "Dolly" Gansen, age 83, of Elma, IA, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2014 at her home.
Regina Mary "Dolly" Praska, the daughter of Joseph F. Sr. and Regina M. (Nibaur) Praska, was born September 21, 1931 in Lourdes, Iowa. Regina attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and graduated from Elma's Immaculate Conception Academy in 1949. Following high school Regina worked as a household aid and later at St Joseph Hospital in New Hampton. While working at the hospital she would pray every day for Nicholas Gansen's safe return from the Korean War. Following Nick's return home they were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on June 22, 1953. The couple moved to the family farm in 1955 where they worked off the land and raised their nine children.
Regina will be remembered as a hard-working woman who never stopped learning. She was a teacher to many as she passed on her knowledge of sewing and baking. Many people raved about her potato salad and kolache. She enjoyed gardening and expressed her devotion to Our Lady through a Mary's Garden.
Regina enjoyed volunteering, she taught religious education at Immaculate Conception Church for 20 years, and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, Auxiliary at Colonial Manor, and the Howard County Right to Life Committee.
Regina is survived by her children Larry (Julie) Gansen of Chanhassen, MN, Regina "Jeanie" (Todd) Rooks of Nevada, IA, Nancy (Ed) DePauw of Hudson, WI, Susan (Randy) Swanson of Olathe, KS, Greg Gansen of Elma, Beverly (Shawn) Eliyahu of Roseville, MN, Barbara (Dave) Ptacek of Cedar Rapids, IA, Chris (Susana Rivera) Gansen of Hudson, WI, Stephanie (Desirae Harp) Gansen of Waterloo, IA; grandchildren Nate (Kim Sapan), Ben (Molly Murphy expecting great-grandchild), Beth Gansen, Kate & Brian DePauw, Robert Case, Beth (Kwan) Porter, Patty (Dave) Braunger, Emily & Audrey Eliyahu, Alexis & Isaac Ptacek, Jennifer Davis, Andres Diaz; great-grandchildren Kai, Jylle, Maverick Porter, Devrah, Lexi Braunger; brother Joseph F. Jr. (Shirley) Praska of Elma; sister Marie Rosonke of Charles City; in-laws Gerald (Marge) Gansen of Riceville, Mary Finley of Story City, Kate White of Alta Vista, Norma (Ken) Kolbet of Naperville, IL, Jeannette (Brian) Glaser of Kansas City, Mo, Eleanor Gansen of Elma; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Nick; parents; in-laws Clarence and Geneva Gansen; brothers-in-law Joe Gansen and Dan "Butch" White and infant nephew Randy Praska.
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My prayers and thoughts go out to all of your family at this time of sorrow. Remember all of the good memories and know that your Mom is at peace and not suffering any more and God has another special angel in heaven.
Nancy and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom”s passing. I did nor know she had cancer. May her place in God”s loving arms give you peace. God bless.
Our sympathy to “Dollys” Family. May she rest in the loving care of Our Heavenly Father. Louise and Donn Harris
Our sympathy to all of Dollys loved onesshe was is a really great ladyour prayers will be with her as she makes her journey home. LoveDale Rose Gansen family
My heart aches for all the dear families of Dolly. With her devotion to our “Lady”, I think it such a treasure that God called her on the great feast of “Our Lady of Guadalupe ” Love you all.
Our deep sympathy to all the family. John Marlys Recker
Sending our love and sympathy to all of Dollys family. She was such a wonderful lady and a great mother. She was always so proud of her children and you all gave her so much to be proud of. Your care for her has been nothing short of amazing and I know it gave her great comfort. God bless you all. Treasure all those wonderful memories. Now she and Nick can celebrate and look down on their legacy with pride. We are so glad that we got to know her and be a part of the family through Ed and Nancy.
No heart breaks alone for God is always near. When a prayer is whispered God is always there to hear. When sorrows overwhelming, He comforts tenderly. A single tear never falls that he does not hear.(Psalms 652) Sorry for your loss.
Barb and family, Sympathy and prayers to you and your family. God bless. Deb Johnson
Sending prayers and his your way. I hold fond memories of time spent at your house and your most gracious mom. Youll always have this memories to cherish Donna Roaonke
Greg and family Sending prayers to you all during the passing of your mother, grandma, sister but most of all a great person. Remember the good times and know that she is in a better place and watching over yall. Donald Broer
My most heartfelt sympathy to Dollys childern, her brother Joe and sister Marie, and to all of Nicks family. Dolly was my best friend while we were “growing up” in New Hampton and working at St. Joes hospital. I also had the honor of being her bridesmaid at her and Nicks wedding. We shared a lot of secrets and had lots of fun!! I will remember her always as Dolly Praska from Elma, who was crazy about Nick Gansen! Love, Elaine Pechota Bodensteiner
Sorry to hear about your mom..She was such a special person..my mom loved their visits,,they are probably playing cards and baking up a feast they loved family time..Deb Riley