Louise Dietzenbach

Louise Dietzenbach, age 89, of St. Lucas, IA, died on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at Traditions in West Union. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 12, 2016, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 307 East Main Street, St. Lucas, IA, with Rev. Kyle Digmann presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 11, 2016, and on Monday morning after 9:30 a.m., at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 307 East Main Street, St. Lucas, IA. The Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is handling the arrangements.Louise Catherine (Croatt) Dietzenbach was born on August, 25, 1927, the daughter of Jacob and Josephine (Unze) Croatt in New Hampton, IA. Louise grew up on the family farm west of St. Lucas and attended St. Luke’s Catholic School until 8th grade. On June 11, 1947, she was united in marriage to Edward Dietzenbach. To this union five children were born. The couple farmed west of St. Lucas for many years, moving to St. Lucas in 1991, yet continuing to do what they loved, helping on the farm. Louise enjoyed living and working on the farm, tending to the livestock and tilling of the fields. She loved gardening and cooking for her family, and she was known for her generous meal portions. She was a devoted wife and mother, who cared for her family relentlessly, giving special care to Edward in the later years of his life. Following his death on June 19, 2008, she enjoyed the company of “The Ladies” who traveled to church dinners and played cards at Nubbies. She loved to play Euchre and 500, watch the Iowa Hawkeyes and being an avid Chicago Cubs fan, was thrilled to see them win the World Series. Louise moved to Traditions Assisted Living in April 2016. She always enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. But most of all, she was a friend to many and her upbeat personality made everyone she knew feel special. She will be greatly missed!! Louise was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, St. Luke’s Rosary Society and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Louise is survived by her children: Ron (Linda) Dietzenbach, Riverside, CA; Gene (Dorene) Dietzenbach, Mount Pleasant, IA; Jerry (Rose) Dietzenbach, Calmar, IA; Diane (Jeff) Knepper, New Vienna, IA; and Clair (Sheri) Dietzenbach, St. Lucas, IA. Fifteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. Three sisters: Evelyn “Sis” Wurzer, Waucoma, IA; Irene Franzen, and Rosemary (LaVerne) Franzen, both of St. Lucas, IA. Brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Urban (Lucy) Dietzenbach, Cresco, IA, Marie Huber, Cresco, IA, and Verena Croatt, West Union, IA. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Dietzenbach. Her parents: Jacob and Josephine Croatt. Sister: Mildred (Herbert) Dietzenbach. Brothers-in-law: Edwin Wurzer and Albert Franzen. Brother: James Croatt. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Traditions in West Union and the St. Croix Hospice.