Tuesday, July 2, 2024 8:28 am
Louise T. Duwe, 84, of Mason City, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Health Center.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Good Shepherd Health Center Chapel, 302 2nd St NE, Mason City, at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Kent Melcher officiating. Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd, Mason City or Opportunity Homes, Decorah. Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
Louise Theodora Duwe, the daughter of Hugo Duwe and Selma Jermeland Duwe-Johnson of Postville, Iowa, was born in Iowa City on May 6, 1940. Louise was sociable and loved hugs, enjoyed getting up early and arriving ahead of time for events, and being independent. She always stated “I look like a movie star” after having her nails and hair done and applying lipstick and blush. Louise loved everything Elvis Presley including listening and dancing to his music and collecting memorabilia. She looked forward to her weekly bingo games so she could display and share her stuffed animal winnings. Camp Winnebago was a highlight each summer when living in Decorah along with her participation in the Special Olympics Wartburg United Sports Day. She was proud of her volunteer “job” at The Depot Outlet in Decorah. Louise had a love for spaghetti, taco pizza, French fries, both pumpkin and chocolate pie, and especially diet Pepsi. Attending church services was very important to Louise ever since she was a child, and she faithfully sat in the front row in later years close to her pastor and Cousin LeAnn singing along with familiar hymns.
Preceding her in death were her grandparents (including Theodore and Lena Jermeland of Ossian); both parents; four sisters and one brother, Joan Sloan, Sherry Owens, Helen “Sue” Knibble, Elaine Smith, and Robert Duwe; two nephews, Michael Owens, Jr. and David Knibble; and twenty-two Jermeland cousins.
Louise is survived by her brother-in-law, Michael Owens; several nieces and nephews; one aunt, LaVonne Benzing; one aunt-in-law, Elaine Jermeland; and twenty-six Jermeland cousins.
Louise resided at Woodward, and Decorah, most of her life, and the last six years at Good Shepherd in Mason City, same as her mother did the last five years of her life.
The family wishes to thank the numerous staff and caregivers of Louise over the years at Woodward State Hospital-School (1949-71), Winneshiek County Home (1971-84), Opportunity Homes, Inc., Decorah, IA (1984-2018), and Good Shepherd (2018-2024). Louise reveled in the loving attention she was given and even called some staff members and residents her “relatives.” A special thanks to those that helped her adjust to new environments, deal with family member loss, and cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
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My dad, Nanfred Sand, and Louise’s mom, Selma, were cousins. I remember when Louise and her siblings would come to our farm to play. We ALWAYS had fun together. I can’t remember when they moved, because as adults, we sort of “lost” each other. THEN, when Louise was at the Winn. Co. Home, my sister, Helen, would see her at Magpie’s Cafe. Helen introduced herself, and so whenever Louise came in, she’d see Helen and they’d have a good visit. That’s how I became reacquainted with Louise….ALWAYS smiling, ALWAYS happy to see us. We LOVED her grandparents, Ted and Lena, so it was easy to love her. I know she is happy in her Heavenly Home. Cousin Janet Sand Pinch.
Dave and I are sending our most sincere sympathy in the loss of Louise. May God hold her and her family and friends in his arms during this most difficult time. Louise was a sweet and funny lady. We will miss seeing her smiling face.