President Jeanne presenting to Joyce Swangel the certificate for 3rd District Women of the Year.

The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted their annual Mothers Tea on Mon., May 20th. Special guests were 3rd District President Shirley Warnke, Norway, and Tama County President Jolene Denbow, Gladbrook. The Presidents all brought greetings and received a corsage and a hand painted poppy picture. President Jeanne Paustian opened the program welcoming everyone to the tea on a beautiful spring day.

Joyce Swangel, Unit Chaplain, was surprised as she received the news that she was named the 3rd District Women of the Year. She received a corsage and certificate. She will be in the running for the State Women of the Year.

President Jeanne read a message from Nicole Clapp, National American Legion Auxiliary Vice-President, who was in Indianapolis. Besides bringing greetings, she asked three Unit members to participate in her installation for National President in Indianapolis in August. They were Jolene Denbow and Terri Luehring, to carry the Unit flags, and Rev. Barb Muhs to give a prayer.

Jodi Betts demonstrated how to make a centerpiece out of spring flowers for the program. The beautiful bouquet was won by Vera Arp.

The Memorial Service was conducted by Unit President Jeanne Paustian, Chaplain Joyce Swangel, Poppy Chairman Jodi Betts, and Sec. Jolene Denbow. During the service, hymns were sung led by pianist Sue Koster; prayers lifted up, and a poem on Faith read. The Unit lost seven members since the last service. They were Marge Grove, 65 year member; Floriss Stamp, 60 year member; Barb Wickersham, 50 year member; Martha Gamble, 66 year member; Paulette Boerm, a new member; Arlene (Fuzzy) Goos, 36 year member; and Emma Moeller, 68 year member. A candle was lighted for the deceased, a poppy placed, and their family members were given a white carnation. Sue played TAPS.

Family member present for the Memorial Service was (l-r) Ethel Lucht, Linda Goos, Vera Arp, and Jim & Deb Grove and Gold Star Sister Darlene Hatcher.

The Unit recognized two Gold Star Sisters: Claire Handorf and Darlene Hatcher, they both lost a brother during the Vietnam Conflict.

The Graduation Service was conducted by Pres. Shirley, Pres. Jolene, Kathy Lowry, Cynthia Eggers, Poppy Chr. Jodi, Chaplain Joyce and President Jeanne. There were four Juniors graduating this year: Paige McWilliams, BCLUW grad, and the granddaughter of Craig & Marilyn Peters; Rachael Scarf, G-R grad, and the daughter of Randy & Sherri Scarf, Justina Eggers, G-R grad, and the daughter of Barry & Cynthia Eggers. She is a past 3rd. District Jr. President and Girl Stater, and Kayla Vavroch, GMG grad, and the daughter of Scott & Kathy Vavroch. She is also a Past 3rd District Jr. President and Girl Stater. The Graduation Service inducts the Jr. members into Senior membership. Kayla and Justina were able to attend and their mothers pinned on their Auxiliary pin. The graduates also received a certificate and their first year of membership dues paid by the Unit.

Thanks to the work of our membership chairman Jolene, the Gladbrook Unit has 261 members. This makes us one of the largest Unit’s in the state. Continual membership awards were presented to: 25 year members received a pin : Gayle Boerm, Claire Reinhard, and Greta Thomae; 40 year certificates: Ann Flamme Deardorff, and Nicole Greve Uhee; 50 year members receiving pins: Lynn Adelmund, Maxine Bottema, Marilyn Carstensen, and Bonnie Johannsen. 60 year members: Lucy DeWitt & Pat Oettchen, 62 years; Marlys Boege & Janet Pryor, 64 years; Sandra Mohr, 66 years. 70 year members: Ferne Schoel, 71 years; Mavis Nelson, 72 years; Dinny Nielsen & Phyllis Chizek, 74 years; Maxine Schoel, 77 years and a life member.

The program ended with all singing “God Bless America”.

The black and red tables were decorated with poppies, and everyone received a poppy bookmark.

Special membership honorees were: Front Row- (l-r) Lucy DeWitt & Maxine Schoel. Back Rowe: Maxine Bottema, Gayle Boerm, Marilyn Carstensen, (guest) 3rd District President Shirley Warnke, Bonnie Johannsen, Mavis Nelson, and Dinny Nielsen.

Lunch was served by Trudi Scott, Karen Pieper, and Jodi Betts.

Graduates with their mothers (l-r): Kathy Vavroch, Kayla Vavroch, Justina Eggers and Cynthia Eggers.

Jodi Betts demonstrated how to make a flower centerpiece for the program.