Imelda C. Kerkhoff

Imelda C., daughter of Bernard J. and Mary T. (Berger) Grossman, was born on the family farm in rural Willey, Iowa, on March 25, 1931. She attended St. Mary's School in Willey and graduated from St. Angela's Academy in 1949.

On December 26, 1950, Imelda was united in marriage with Meryl F. Kerkhoff at St. Mary's Church in Willey. They made their home on a farm 3 ¾ miles south of Manning and seven children were born to this union. In addition to being a busy farm wife and mother, Imelda also enjoyed sewing, quilting, woodworking, gardening, and singing. She was very dedicated football fan who attended many games, regardless of the weather. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Manning and was active in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (Past Regent), Altar Society and choir. Imelda was a CCD teacher, Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Co-Chairman of the Bloodmobile and engaged in volunteer work through RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

Imelda passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Accura Healthcare in Manning, attaining the age of ninety-one years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Meryl Kerkhoff; son Joel Kerkhoff; son-in-law John Bertelsen; siblings: Marie and husband Bill Thielen, Louis Grossman and wife Marian, Helen and husband Charles Thielen, Robert Grossman, Freda and husband Joe Tigges, Rita and husband Ed Tigges, Delores Greenwood, Marilyn Heithoff, sister Lucy Anne and brother Andrew, both in infancy.

She is survived by her children: Marty Kerkhoff and wife Debra of Manning; Keith Kerkhoff of Manilla; Mary Bertelsen of Polk City; Ron Kerkhoff and wife Kim of Algona; Dan Kerkhoff and wife Cheryl of Manning; Scott Kerkhoff and wife Teri of Coralville; 14 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lorena Grossman of Carroll; brothers-in-law James Greenwood of Cottage Grove, MN and Wayne Heithoff of Des Moines; other relatives and friends.

A Rosary will be at 4:30 p.m. and Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church in Manning.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Church in Manning.

Interment is in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Manning.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Celebrant - Rev. Shinoj Jose

Lector - Laurie Stein

Mass Servers - Ben and Ella Langel

Eucharistic Ministers - Imelda Langel & Vickie Thielen

Gift Bearers - Amy Dehmer & Kiley Halbur

Organist - Anne Muhlbauer

Vocalists - Sacred Heart Choir

Hymnal Selections - "On Eagle's Wings", "Hosea", "Be Still My Soul", & "How Great Thou Art"

Casket Bearers - Imelda's Grandchildren: Jared Kerkhoff, Nick Kerkhoff, Ryan Kerkhoff, Kody Kerkhoff, Eric Bertelsen, Blake Kerkhoff, Brody Kerkhoff, & Rachel Haubrich (Special Caretaker of Imelda)

Honorary Casket Bearers - Imelda's Grandchildren: Kari Kerkhoff, Amy Dehmer, Jessica Bertelsen, Kenzie Kerkhoff, Kiley Halbur, Alyssa Draeger, Erin Kerkhoff, Jason Ripke, Derek Ripke, & Sara Croghan