Leola Goetzinger

   Leola Irene, daughter of Clifford and Irene (Buckstead) VanSickle, was born January 12, 1927 in Lenox, South Dakota. The family moved to Manilla, Iowa where she graduated from high school.

   On August 31, 1945 Leola was united in marriage with Jerome Henry Goetzinger at St. Thomas Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA. They lived in California for a time, then settled back in Iowa. where they raised their four children. Jerome managed grocery stores in Sac City, Lake City, Charter Oak and Eldora, IA. Leola was an excellent cook and put that talent to use cooking at the State Training School for Boys in Eldora where her husband was the dietician. She had a big heart and from time to time was known to take a boy there under her wing in the kitchen for a few cooking lessons. Leola was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family which was evidenced by their many trips for weekend visits. She was also an avid Elvis fan.

   Due to failing health Leola entered the New Aldaya Lifescapes Home in Cedar Falls in 2010. Her husband followed her to Cedar Falls to be nearer the nursing home. After a short illness he died November 9, 2010 and Leola continued to live at New Aldaya. She died there on March 12, 2016 after a blessed life of 89 years and 2 months.

   Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; three brothers Charles (Jean), Clifford and Oral VanSickle; and brother in law Melvin Goetzinger

   Leola is survived by four children: Jerry Goetzinger (Pat) of Charter Oak; Laurie Youngblood of Cedar Falls; Craig Goetzinger (Chiyon) of DeForest, WI; Thomas Goetzinger (Susan) of Glendale, CA; five grandchildren: Amy Goetzinger; Jason Goetzinger (Jenne); Thomas Kaufmann; Eric Youngblood; Noriko Murai; five great-grandchildren; brother in law Paul Goetzinger of Jamul, CA; two sisters in law Rose VanSickle of National City, CA and Betty VanSickle of LeMars, IA; other relatives and friends.

Officiating Pastor Vicki Fisher
United Church of Manilla

 

Recorded Music “Amazing Grace”   
“How Great Thou Art” “On Eagle’s Wings”      

 

Casket Bearers
Mike Youngblood    
Eric Youngblood
Thomas Kaufmann  
Kevin VanSickle
Jerry Goetzinger
Craig Goetzinger
Thomas Goetzinger