Sunday, January 26, Gladbrook Peace United Church of Christ will honor Marion Schulz with a special 10:30 AM church service followed by a catered meal. It is a celebration of Marion’s milestone 100th birthday. The public is cordially invited to join the congregation for this special service and celebration.

Marion Arp was born on February 6, 1920 to Henry and Anna Arp on the family farm north of Gladbrook with four sisters and four brothers. As one of nine children she grew up working on the farm and helping the family. She said, “I shocked oats, picked corn by hand, and helped with the livestock. We had cattle, hogs and chickens and we had a huge garden. Mom and we girls canned and canned. We pretty much raised all we ate.. I attended “country school” at Lincoln # 7.” Going on to high school in those days was a luxury, so she remained at home and helped on the farm.

She says, “I met Lloyd Schulz at a dance in Gladbrook. It was at the American Hall located way to the east end of town. We were married February 16, 1938 and moved to the tenant house of Lloyds folks. We lived there for four years and Lloyd got paid $20 a month. This was hard times. We started farming on our own when Lloyd’s folks moved to town. We lived on the Schulz home place. I have never lived more than five miles from Gladbrook in my entire life!”

Lloyd and Marion became parents to four children. Leon, who passed away in 1975, married Judy Sherman and they had three daughters – Susan, Dianne and Lia. Janet is married to Larry Wacha and they live in Toledo. Their children are Angie, Mark and Terri. Daughter Julie and husband Charles Hall live in Ankeny and have two girls, Rachel and Sara. Son Jeff and Kelli live in West Des Moines and they are parents to three sons – Ryan, Justin and Travis. There are eleven grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren

Marion is an amazing lady who still lives in her own home and is an absolute delight to visit with! She shared about the days of going to Lincoln to shop at the Wolleson-Jipp Store. She stated, “Uncle John Wolleson and Aunt Anna ordered Lloyd’s wedding suit. They measured and fitted him and ordered the suit.”

“Threshing oats was a big deal. They went from one farm to the next for several weeks. The ladies all worked together and made a big meal. My girls once said I was always in the kitchen. We had breakfast, morning coffee, dinner, afternoon lunch and supper. I had a small gas stove at the rental house, then a bigger one at the farm. I got my first refrigerator in 1941. It was from Montgomery Ward. I still have it in my basement and it is used during Carnival. You have to listen to hear it run.”

“We always went to Peace Church. Lloyd and I were baptized and joined the church on March 29, 1953 when Rev. Poeschel was minister. There were a whole bunch of us as adults who joined the church at that time. I belonged to the Women’s Fellowship.. The Chicken and Ham Supper was a tradition at Peace Church. It was a big deal. We peeled all the potatoes and fried home raised chickens.” This event usually fed around 500 people.

“Lloyd and I moved to town in 1979. I really didn’t mind. Jeff took over the farm. Both our family farms are Century Farms. Lloyd’s family got that farm in 1893. The Arp farm is now owned by Gordon Arps children, Shane and Jill.”

When asked what the greatest change she has seen in 100 years, she noted, “Things now move so much faster. We have so many modern conveniences.”

The life span of Marion’s 100 years is a fascinating journey through time. From working with horses to GPS guided combines – Marion has seen it all.

For a delightful trek back in time visit with Marion Schulz as this lovely lady celebrates 100 years of good living!