Henrietta “Hank” Krumm

Saturday, October 6, 2018 3:01 pm

Henrietta “Hank” Krumm, , of Decorah, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at Wellington Place in Decorah. A celebration of life for Henrietta Sunday, Oct. 14, from 1 until 4 p.m., at Silvercrest Country Club, 2772 College Drive, in Decorah.

Henrietta Christina (Bushman) Krumm was bornb Aug. 9, 1918, in Ossian, the ninth eldest of 10 children born to Bernard H. and Christine (Bodensteiner) Bushman. In a family of hard working farmers, there were no tooth fairies, Halloween or Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Every day was a day to be thankful. Christmas however, involved a plate of apples for Santa and real candles on the tree. Henrietta attended Catholic school through eighth grade (sometimes sleeping overnight in bunks in the attic during snowy weather), and later graduated from cosmetology school.

She witnessed great social change during her life, from horse-drawn carriages to cars; from radios to television and computers; from candles to electric lights; from no air circulation to fans and later air conditioners. Her first job was in a clothing store in Ossian and then, at age 16, she worked as a maid for a doctor in Cedar Rapids where she was required to wear a black dress with a white apron. Henrietta served in WWII as a “Rosie the Riveter” in Detroit, Mich., working in a factory that made Helldiver airplane wings (an aircraft now known as “the last dive bomber”).

Henrietta met her first husband, George Sailor, there when she was an inspector for the manufacturer of Helldiver. They later married, moving to Buffalo, N.Y. and then Lakewood, Calif. There she worked full-time going door-to-door selling cleaning products and carnauba wax. They had two sons: Craig and Gary Sailor (with whom she eventually moved back to Iowa). With the support of her brother Ray and his family, she earned her cosmetology license in Waterloo. She then married the love of her life, George Krumm, Aug. 26, 1961. George was a barber and musician and Henrietta was a hair stylist for many years. They enjoyed many winters in Brownsville, Texas.

Her wisdom, kindness, generosity and cooking abilities benefitted all those who knew her. Because she did not have the opportunity for college, she was most proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s educational accomplishments. In her free time, she enjoyed golfing, cooking, bridge, crocheting, knitting, canning and spending time hiding and seeking with her grandchildren. She passed along her fudge making skills, healthy habits and positive attitude to all of us. Her fingerprints are all over the lives of those she loved.

Henrietta is survived by her brother, Laverne; son, Gary (Sheryl) Sailor; her four beloved grandchildren: Peter, Mathew, Grayam and Tess; along with many nieces and nephews. In her later years, she was lovingly cared for by Don and Susan Nelson and Tim and Elaine Felton.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George, Feb. 25, 1985; son, Craig, Nov. 15, 1994.

We know that God has blessed her and will keep her.