Memorial
Erna June Elizabeth Horstmann-Brendes, 96, passed away June 13, 2024, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the funeral service, 11a.m., Monday, June 17, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Interment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Erna was born June 14, 1927, in Wheatland, Iowa to Heinrick and Alvina Horstmann. She married Merle Brendes on March 21, 1945, in Clarence, Iowa.
Erna is survived by her children, Donna (Marvin) Hooker, Gary (Linda) Brendes, Tammy (Harlan) Johnson; grandchildren, Kevin (Kim) Nanke, Kirk (Angie) Nanke, Kent (Kristi) Nanke, Kory (Candice) Nanke, Aron (Sara) Brendes, Jason (Paulette) Brendes, Joshua (Joslin) Johnson, Nick (Sam) Hooker, Beth (Michael) Haider; 21 great-grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Erna was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Merle; son, David, two grandchildren, one great grandchild, three sisters and one brother.
She married Merle Brendes on March 21st, 1945. They farmed south of Lowden for 25 years, moving to Cedar Rapids in 1970. Erna was employed by Souvenir Pen and Pencil for 17 years. She was a sales rep for Newton Manufacturing for 10 years after retiring. She was a board member of Eden United Church of Christ, until the flood of 2008 that destroyed the church. Then she became a member of Hope United Church of Christ in Hiawatha.
Erna’s family would like to extend a thank you to Stoney Point Meadows, Chaplin Joe, and Oldorf Hospice House for the wonderful care they showed Erna. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.