Loretta Handlos

Loretta Rose, daughter Ed and Cecelia (Schnitter) Lechtenberg, was born January 19, 1926, at Butte, Nebraska. She attended catholic school in Butte. At the age of ten, Loretta moved with her family to a farm near Manning, Iowa where she attended rural school. After completing her education, Loretta worked at home on the farm.

On September 30, 1941, Loretta was united in marriage with Albert F. Handlos, Jr. at Sacred Heart Church in Manning. They moved to a farm 1 ½ miles south of Manning where they lived and raised their son Larry. Loretta enjoyed working in her large vegetable and flower gardens. When Albert retired from farming in 1975, they moved into their home in Manning where Loretta cared for a large rose garden. At this time she also started working in the Dietary Department at the Manning General Hospital. After 17 years she retired and cared for her husband at home. After Albert moved to the Manning Plaza in 1991, Loretta worked at the Corner Café for Tom Williams and then at Deb's Corner Café, retiring in 2010.

Loretta was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Manning and the Altar and Rosary Societies. The church was a very important part of her life. Over the years Loretta volunteered at the Manning Plaza and the New Hope Village Store. After the death of her husband in 1995, she moved to the Terrace Apartments where she thoroughly enjoyed living. Eventually she moved into the Manning Plaza where she loved socializing and taking part in numerous activities.

Loretta was known for being a wonderful cook, with one of her specialties being German knadles, which she made for every holiday get-together with her family. She enjoyed crocheting, making beautiful afghans, doilies, and wall hangings. She also made hand-sewn clothes for her granddaughters' Barbie dolls when they were little. In her later years, Loretta liked to join her granddaughters for a drink or two uptown at Spitter's.

Preceding Loretta in death are her parents; husband Albert Handlos; a son Larry Handlos; a grandson-in-law Mark "Bert" Werner; one brother Fred Lechtenberg in infancy; three sisters: Marie (Andrew) Soppe, Leona (Irwin) Reisberg and Mildred (Fred) Mallett; three brothers-in-law Edward (Maxine) Handlos, Henry (Genevieve) Handlos and Frank (Lila) Handlos

Survivors include a daughter-in-law Barbara Handlos of Manning; three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren: Patty and husband Ron "Skip" Tanner of Sheldon and their son Nicholas (Rachel) Tanner; Jackie Werner of Dedham and her sons Dustin and Jarrett; and Joelle and her husband Joe Behrens of Templeton and their children Hailee and Will; three great-great-grandchildren: Tayten, Mauer and Audrey Grace Tanner; along with other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m at Sacred Heart Church, Manning, Iowa with Reverend Shinoj Jose, Celebrant.

Mass Servers were Audrey and Bill Muhlbauer.

Lector was Joe Behrens.

Eucharistic Minister was Julie Hodne.

Gift Bearers were Hailee Behrens and Will Behrens.

Music  “Here I Am, Lord”, “Amazing Grace”, “In The Garden” and “How Great Thou Art”   by Sacred Heart Choir, Anne Muhlbauer, Organist.

Casket Bearers were Nicholas Tanner, Hailee Behrens, Dustin Werner, Jarrett Werner, Skip Tanner, Joe Behrens and Will Behrens.

Interment was held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Manning, Iowa.