Rose Marie Vanek, 91, formerly of Glenville, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center in Austin.
Rose Marie Vanek was born on March 14, 1918 to Frank and Rose (Potucek) Prantner on the family farm. Rose, the youngest, attended school in District 116 near Myrtle. After moving to Glenville, she did housework, baby-sitting and worked at the Glenville Motel. Rose met Wilton “Doc” Vanek and they were united in marriage on May 28, 1937, in Northwood, Iowa by Justice of the Peace E.J. Dwelle. The couple lived in Glenville for 10 years then moved to a small acreage north of Glenville. They raised some livestock and had many pets for their boys. In 1966, they returned to Glenville where Doc worked for the city, did police work and served on the volunteer Fire Department for 44 years. Rose was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Glenville. She was a nature lover and enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables. Her hobbies were sewing, crocheting, knitting afghans, making quilts and baking. Rose enjoyed entering these items at the Freeborn County Fair in the Home Activities Building and was very proud of the many blue ribbons and grand champion ribbons won. Rose loved her family and cherished the time spent with them.
Survivors include her sons, Lauren (Arlene) Vanek of Glenville, Larry (Linda) Vanek of Glenville and Lonnie (Sandra) Vanek of Austin; grandchildren, Kathleen (David) Snyder, Gregory Vanek and Jenny, Jeffrey (Kristin) Vanek, Lynette (Kurt) VanRyswyk, Lynae (Dean) Dahlum, Lane (Sandy) Vanek, Benjamin Vanek and Aaron Vanek; great-grandchildren, Dayton, Lacey, Lindsey, Sara, Jennifer, Nathan, Jordyn, Kalli, Derek, Carter, Dawson, Gracie, Kenna, Taylor and Izabella; sister-in-law, Loretta Prantner; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wilton “Doc” Vanek, and her brothers and sisters.
Funeral services for Rose Marie Vanek will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Glenville with the Rev. Theresa Turnbull officiating. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.
Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.