Elvera Ellen Palas, 99, of Elkader, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born November 3, 1925, to Ray and Pearl (Taulke) Marmann at home in Reed Township.
She attended country school through 8th grade and received her GED at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmer, Iowa, on June 7, 1993, at the age of 68.
Elvera was united in marriage to John H Palas on November 6, 1950. Two children were born to this union, John L and Mary L.
She worked as manager and clerk at several businesses in Elkader for many years throughout her working career – General Store, Schmidt’s Pharmacy, Raize’s Department Store, Bries’s, and Burlingame’s Department Store.
Elvera was a life-long member of Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. In the past was in the St. Olaf American Legion Auxillary, belonged to many neighborhood card clubs, and liked helping at election time both in Farmersburg and St. Olaf. She was an excellent seamstress and made many of her own clothes and did alterations for many people. She loved doing crafts, gardening, and loved flowers, especially African violets. She could get anything to grow. She loved spending time with her family and going on picnics and attending family reunions.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Mark) Ambrose of Mason City; Christine Palas (wife of John L ~ deceased) of Elkader; grandchildren Jessica (Karl) Smitterburg of Cedar Rapids, Susan (Josh Wiedner) Palas of Elkader, Kali Ambrose of Mason City, Matthew (Lexie) Palas of Elkader; great-grandchildren, Emily (Joe) Meisner, Amy Wiedner, and Charlie Wiedner; five sister-in-laws, Julaine Mohning of Monona, Betty Marmann of Elkader, Shirley Marmann of Farmersburg, Nancy Marmann of Cedar Rapids, and Marlene Marmann of Garnavillo; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Elvera was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John H. 1991; son, John L. 2013; six brothers, Ray (Margaret) Marmann Jr., Vurnell Marmann, Everett Marmann, Don Marmann, Allen Dale Marmann, Veryl Dean (infant), and sister, Geneva (Vernon) Hoth.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:30AM on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader.
Services will follow at 10:30AM – also at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. Rev. Paula Anderson will officiate.
Interment: East Side Cemetery, Elkader
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family with arrangements.