Florabelle Schell

Florabelle “Belle” Schell, age 94, of Decorah, IA, died on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main St., Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery, Decorah, IA. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Monday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Monday there will also be visitation Tuesday morning after 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Florabelle Anna (Ungs) Schell was born a twin on November 22, 1917. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Wuchter) Ungs of Charles City, IA. Florabelle attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade School and High School, and graduated in 1935. Florabelle and her twin sister Florence then attended Charles City High School for one year so they could play in the band. Belle worked as a secretary at the Oliver Plant in Charles City, where she met her husband, Don. They were united in marriage on Oct. 11, 1943 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City, and had four children. Belle stayed at home and raised their children while Don worked and they lived a short time in Mason City before moving to Decorah in 1946 until 1960; to the Washington DC area from 1960 to 1973; Bellevue, Nebraska from 1973 to 1978 and then back to Decorah in 1978. Belle and Don were instrumental in the formation of the Schell House in 1984. Belle entered the Eastern Star Home in July 2011. Belle enjoyed playing cards, bridge, duplicate bridge and solitaire on her computer. She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, where she served as past president of St. Theresa’s Circle. Belle is survived by her four children: H. John (Elizabeth “Liz”) Schell, Arlington, VA; Jim (Judilyn “Judy”) Schell, Decorah, IA; Janet Schell, St. Colletta, Jefferson, WI; and Joe (Carrie) Schell, Ellicott City, MD. Three grandchildren: Samuel, Max, and Jack Schell. One brother-in-law: Donald Hotka, Davenport, IA, along with three first cousins. Belle was preceded in death by her parents: John and Mary (Wuchter) Ungs. Her husband: Don on October 23, 1994. Her twin sister: Florence Pauline Hotka on November 30, 2009.