Belva Joanne Gramlich, 87, of Monona, Iowa died Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa following a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family. Belva was born July 4, 1932 to Walter and Verona (Pottratz) Clancy in Lansing, Iowa. She graduated from Lansing High School in 1949.
Belva was united in marriage with Milton Gramlich on August 6, 1950 at The Presbyterian Church in Lansing, Iowa. Belva and Milton lived in Alaska shortly after they were married while he was in the service. They then lived in Lansing Iowa until 1967 before moving to Monona. Belva was a member of Living Faith United Methodist Parish, and UMW, American Legion Auxiliary, Sweet Adeline’s, The Young and The Rest of Us Coffee Fellowship and was a 4-H Leader. Throughout the years Belva worked at the Lansing Button Factory, was a business owner of K’s Variety and Fabrics, Northern Engraving, 3M, Monona Wire and custodian for Monona City Hall and Community Center.
Belva was an amazing cook and baker, her passion was to make everyone’s favorite. No family meal was complete without homemade noodles. Her recipes were always a keeper. Belva enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, bowling and loved to decorate for the holidays at home and church- especially Garden of Memories. The highlight of her day was anytime she got to spend time with family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Belva is survived by her four children, Kevin Gramlich of Monona, IA, Kell (Alan) Esch of Epworth, IA, Kay (Dan) Vorwald of Monona, and Karri (Scott) Mabou of Deville, LA; eleven grandchildren, Joni (Steve) Johnston, Toby Gramlich, Whitney Gramlich, Kaitlin Gramlich, Nicholas (Lucy) Esch, Christoph (Ashley) Esch, Danielle (Ben) Schlake, Jacob (Katie) Vorwald, Jordan (Megan Borrett) Vorwald, Blaine (Kayla) Mabou and Kaylee (Drake) Eppinette; twelve great grandchildren, Madison (Ian) Christy, Brock, Peyton and Kael Johnston, Stella, Tommy and Lottie Esch, Owen, Beau and Levi Schlake and Karrigan and Weslyn Vorwald; two great-great grandchildren, Cooper and Callen Christy; five siblings, Bernadine Feuerhelm of Hager City, Wisconsin, Barbara (Bob) Leppert of Lansing, Iowa, Bebe (Rick Heiderscheit) Truelson of LaCrescent, Minnesota, Deanna Clancy of Kenosha, Wisconsin and Carl (Diane) Clancy of Lansing, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Maureen Clancy of Chicago, Illinois and Betty Steiber of Lansing, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Shirley Marti of Lansing, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Belva was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Arthur Gramlich on March 31, 2012; parents Walter and Verona Clancy; four siblings, Beverly (Bob) Boies, Betty (Rev. John) Munchoff, Bonita McKee and Walter “Chip” Clancy Jr.; and two brothers-in-laws, Ron Feuerhelm and Bernard Steiber.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Living Faith United Methodist Parish in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Deb Parkison as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at Monona Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.