Eloise Langstraat

Eloise Langstraat

Eloise Langstraat

Eloise Langstraat
December 13, 1929 – December 4, 2014
Oskaloosa (New Sharon), Iowa | Age 84

Eloise Langstraat, 84 of Oskaloosa and formerly of New Sharon passed away Thursday morning, December 4, 2014 at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. Margaret Eloise Langstraat, the daughter of William and Bessie (Miley) Bucklew was born on Friday, December 13, 1929 in Knoxville, Iowa.

Eloise attended the Valley Country School and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947. Eloise then attended Iowa State Teacher’s college and graduated in 1949. She later attended classes at William Penn College.

Eloise taught at Flemming Country School in Marion County and Grandville which was west of Taintor. While teaching at Grandville, she met Henry J (Hank) Langstraat. He soon became the love of her life. Soon after their engagement, Hank was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. While Hank served his country, Eloise continued to teach.

After Hank’s military discharge, they were married July 13, 1953 in Knoxville Iowa. To this union two children were born, Marlene and John.

In 1960, they began their own farming operation and purchased their own farm in 1962 west of New Sharon. This was a long sought out dream and both worked hard together making it a successful farming operation and providing for their family. During the 1970’s, Eloise was a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher at North Mahaska Elementary. She was a uniquely gifted in teaching children of all abilities.

Eloise provided for her family by growing a large garden and preserving the produce. She was an accomplished seamstress and provided clothing for her family. Eloise was a long and active member of the New Sharon United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. Eloise and Hank taught Sunday school together for 19 years. She was a 4-H leader for many years. After retiring from the farm, Hank and Eloise traveled and wintered in the south. They also enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair and were members of the Excel Campers Club. Their favorite activity was spending time with their granddaughters. On August 4, 2008, Hank passed away. Eloise will be remembered by her deep love for her family and always putting their needs before her own.

Her memory will be honored by her children: Marlene (& Mike) Maxwell of Oskaloosa, and John Langstraat of Oskaloosa; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Lindsay Maxwell, Lesley (& Jake) Lyman and their daughter Aria, Andy (Maxwell) and his children: Zackary and Samantha, Shawn (& Jennifer) Maxwell and their children: Allyson and Maddox, Jamie (& Brian) Vink and their children: Levi, Owen and Daisy. Eloise is also survived by sisters-in-law, Bonnie Bucklew and Anna Mae Williams; a brother-in-law, Wilbur (& Bernice) Langstraat; and many nieces and nephews.

Eloise was preceded in death by her husband, Hank; her parents; and her brother, Miley Bucklew.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the New Sharon United Methodist Church. Holland-Coble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Burial will be held in the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon.
Visitation will begin after 11:00 am Monday, December 8, 2014 at the church with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Sharon United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Women.

Posted by on Dec 5 2014. Filed under Obituaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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