Genevieve L. Palmersheim

Genevieve Loretta Palmersheim, 92, died at Aster Cottage-Edgewater on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. Genevieve was born on the family farm in Burr Oak on October 21, 1918 to Thomas and Marie(Cashman) Knox. She graduated from Decorah High school in 1937. After graduating from high school she obtained her teachers certificate, taught two years in a rural school in Winneshiek County, Immaculate Conception in Elma for two years, New Haven for 5 years, Staceyville-New Haven combined school for one year and for several summers taught under Title 1 at Osage Community School. She taught for 16 years at the Alta Vista Center in the New Hampton School District. She received her BA in Education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, and completed advance work at the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Drake University. Genevieves inspiration to enter the teaching profession was largely attributable to her mother and her four sisters, all of whom were teachers. On May 16, 1940 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lourdes, Genevieve was united in marriage to John Freidhof. To this union was born six children. On January 4, 1992, she was united in marriage to Peter Palmersheim at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. Genevieve was a resident of Elma for 42 years and was a member of IC Rosary Society, Tomorrows Study Club, ARC, bridge club, served on the Care Review Committee for Comprehensive Systems, ACCW and various Scouting committees. She was also a member of St Pius Rosary Society and enjoyed playing bridge with the St Pius Bridge Club. Genevieve enjoyed living her faith, doing the Jumble puzzle, music, watching sporting events especially tennis and Iowa Hawkeyes. She especially loved her family and collecting bears. She is survived by three daughters, Judi (Tom)Henderson of Atlanta, GA, Joanne (Keith)Halverson of Spring Grove,MN, Terri Thayer of Marion and three sons, John Freidhof, Jr of Milford , Leonard (Mollie)Freidhof of Lanark, IL and Tim (Sue)Freidhof of Osseo, WI. ;five step-daughters, Sue Bishop, Sharon (Larry)Sanders, Patti Nutting, all of Des Moines, Sally (Tom)Duer of Runnells and Mary (Terry)Nordstrom of Marshall, MN.; two step-sons, Peter Palmersheim, Jr of Longview, WA and Greg (Kim)Palmersheim of Des Moines; 34 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many devoted nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband(s) John(1970) and Peter(2004);seven sisters, Regina Broghammer, Grace Knox, Mildred Drew, Vera Gilbertson, Geraldine Bell, Marcella Knox and Mary Knox in infancy; and one brother, Thomas J Knox; and grandson, Mark Henderson. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Food Pantry, St Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma or an educational charity of your choice. Cemetery: Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Visitation: Visitation in Urbandale will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Westover Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Visitation in Elma will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home. Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 28 at St. Pius X Church in Urbandale with Msgr. Joseph McDonnell officiating. There will also be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 29 at Immaculate Conception in Elma with Reverend Ken Glaser officiating.