Arma Jean Anna Leona (Schroeder) Newbern, 87, Sanborn, Iowa, formerly of Elkader and Guttenberg, Iowa, was called home by her Lord, January 23, 2022.
Arma Jean was born September 3, 1934 in Guttenberg, Iowa to Floyd and Ora (Haverland) Schroeder. She was baptized October 7, 1934 and confirmed her faith April 10, 1949 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Guttenberg, Iowa. Arma Jean grew up on the family farm close to Garnavillo, Iowa. She attended Eagle District #2 Country School until eighth grade, when she began attending Garnavillo Community School. She graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1952.
Arma Jean earned a two-year teaching certificate from Wartburg College in 1954. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Upper Iowa University. Arma Jean began her teaching career in the Guttenberg Public School as an elementary teacher from 1954 until 1956. After caring for her young children at home, Arma Jean resumed her teaching career in 1963 as an elementary teacher in the Central Community Schools, Elkader, Iowa until her retirement in 1995. Before her retirement, she was recognized as a recipient of the KGAN Golden Apple Award as an outstanding educator. Arma Jean modeled community service for her children as she served on community and church boards throughout her life.
Arma Jean was united in marriage to Donald T. Newbern, October 28, 1956 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Guttenberg, Iowa. Arma Jean and Don remained devoted to each other until Don’s passing October 29, 2013. To this union, three children were born, Dawn Alane, Bruce Alan and Jill Denise.
Arma Jean is survived by her three children Dawn (Michael) Bilsten of Houston, Texas, Bruce (Karen) Newbern of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Jill (Dr. Terry) Boelter of Sanborn, Iowa, nine grandchildren, Andrea (Alexander Shane) Pratt of Cedar Park, Texas, Anna Newbern of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Emily (Derick) Rouer of Forestville, Wisconsin, Megan Newbern of Algoma, Wisconsin, Jacob (fiancée Dani Jakoubek) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Halie (Trey) Wiegand of St. Louis, Missouri, Kate Mohr of Des Moines, Iowa, Nicholas (Neena) Boelter of Irvine, California and Alison (Daniel) Johnson of Arnolds Park, Iowa, ten great-grandchildren, Peyton Pratt, Charlie, Emmett, Addison and Elena Rouer, Caleb Gustafson, Ashton and Ayden Boelter and Audrey and Elliot Johnson. Arma Jean is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Garry and Lonna Schroeder of Guttenberg, Iowa, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Mary Newbern of Guttenberg, Iowa and four nephews and their families, Galen Schroeder, Brian Schroeder, Jeff Schroeder and Aaron Schroeder.
Memorial Service: Friday, March 18, 2022 – 10:30AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Guttenberg
Inurnment: Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Clayton Center, Iowa
Visitation: 6 PM to 8PM on Thursday, March 17th, 2022, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader and 9:30AM to 10:30AM on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the church.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.