Marion Ruby Laterman

Marion R. Laterman, age 88, of Waukon and formerly of Decorah and Frankville, died on Friday, June 4, 2004 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon following a short illness. Funeral Service is on Friday, June 11, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Frankville Community Presbyterian Church in Frankville, IA by Rev. James Walker, with burial in Frankville Cemetery. Visitation is on Thursday, June 10, 2004 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and on Friday after 10:00 am at the church. Marion Ruby (Brandt) Laterman was born on January 29, 1916 in Frankville Township, Winneshiek County, IA, to Arthur F. and Esther (Snitker) Brandt. She was baptized on July 2, 1916 at Frankville Presbyterian Church by J. Edward Healey, and was later confirmed there. Marion attended school in Frankville through her sophomore year of high school. She finished high school in Postville and graduated with the class of 1933. After graduating from high school Marion took the Normal Training Course, but could not teach as she was only 17 years old. Marion taught for 2 years at Ludlow No. 9 School in Ludlow Township in Allamakee County, one year at Oak Hill School in Bloomfield Township, Winneshiek County, 2 years at Ludlow No. 5 School in Ludlow Township, Allamakee County and at Bakke School in Winneshiek County. Marion attended Luther College for a semester in 1942 and took a 6-week course in 1945. She taught at Frankville No. 3 School for 2 years and Frankville No. 1 School for 4 years. Marion was united in marriage to Leslie L. Laterman on December 12, 1947 on her home farm in Frankville Township. Leslie and Marion lived on and farmed her Brandt family farm for many years, then moved to Decorah in 1999. Marion took piano lessons from Stella Waters near Frankville, then from Dr. Larson for a semester at Luther College, and from Mrs. Moe in Decorah. She was the organist at the Frankville Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. Marion was also an ordained elder and taught Sunday School for many years. Marion was a member of the Winneshiek County Farm Bureau Chorus since 1962. She held offices in Farm Bureau Women’s Work and was honored by receiving the Outstanding Woman of the Year in Farm Bureau. She was recognized by John Knox Presbytery with the Outstanding Senior Presbyterian Award for services in a local church. Marion was also honored by Frankville Presbyterian Church in 1993 for being their organist for 59 years. Marion was secretary of the Frankville Cemetery Association for 40 years, from 1955 to 1995. She was the Grand Marshall of the Frankville Days Parade in 1996. Marion and Leslie belonged to a Square Dance club in Monona and enjoyed ballroom dancing together. Marion was fond of playing cards and visiting with friends & relatives. Marion has been a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Waukon, IA since April 2004. Marion died on Friday, June 4, 2004 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Alice Marie Brandt Bulman. She is survived by her husband Leslie of Waukon, IA; one sister, Jean Sinning of Corning, IA, and by nieces and nephews.