Myrtle Macal

Myrtle L. Macal, age 94, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 02, 2008, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa, following a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at the Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. James Glesne officiating. Burial will be in the Hauge Lutheran Cemetery, rural Decorah, IA. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah, Iowa, and after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Tuesday morning. Myrtle Lavina (Severtsgaard) Macal was born on March 26, 1913, the daughter of James and Lydia (Brandt) Severtsgaard north of Decorah, Iowa. Myrtle was baptized and confirmed at the Hauge Lutheran Church. She attended country school near Hauge Lutheran Church. Myrtle married Ralph A. Macal on December 14, 1934, he died on September 3, 1978. Myrtle worked as a cook at the Novotny, Aase Haugen and Eastern Star Nursing Homes in Decorah, until the late 1960’s. Myrtle was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed making pies for her family. She loved and enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and making quilts for all of them. Myrtle enjoyed babysitting and playing cards. Myrtle was a member of the Hauge Lutheran Church and the Freeport Circle. Myrtle’s survivors include her daughter: Jeanette Williams, Iowa City, Iowa. Three sons: Melvin (Nancy) Macal, McGregor, IA, Edwin (Shirley) Macal, Decorah, IA and Leo (Ardis) Macal, Decorah, IA. Eight grandchildren: Laura (Lance) Bolson, Sue Macal, Mark (Karen) Macal, Allen (Jo) Macal, Tim (Amy) Macal, Dean (fiancé Melissa Kraft) Macal, Lisa (Chad) Klobec, Mike (Janice) Martz. Sixteen great grandchildren: Melanie & Brian Bolson; Mitch, Marty & Shelby Cornelius; Tyler, Emily & Lindsie Macal; Jeremie & Justin Macal; Laken, Ellie & Camrie Macal; Justin & Jacob Klobec; and Ethan Macal. Two brothers: Ernest (Donna) Severtsgaard, Vinton, IA and James (Janice) Severtsgaard, Hampton, IL. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents: James and Lydia Severtsgaard. One sister: Jeanette Severtsgaard and three brothers: Leonard, Clarence and Walter Severtsgaard.