Amelia M. Manthe

Amelia Marie Manthe the daughter of Hans and Mett (Hansen) Gaarde was born on June 26, 1900 in Armstrong, Iowa. She died on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at Rosewood Manor Nursing Home in Estherville, Iowa at the age of 106. She attended elementary school in Armstrong and in 1914 her family moved to Waterloo, Iowa where she lived for two years. She attended St. Clara Academy in Wisconsin where she majored in music, receiving her degree in piano. They returned to Estherville and she graduated from Estherville High School in 1920. After High School she continued her musical education in Minneapolis School of Music. During that time she was 2nd organist at Salem Congregational Church. Returning to Estherville, she served as organist at the Methodist, Catholic and Presbyterian Church and later as the choir director at the First Christian Church. She also taught piano for many years. On February 10, 1923, she was united in marriage to Oran Manthe. Together, the couple shared their love of music. He died in 1963. As a member of Grace Episcopal Church, she served as organist for 35 years until it closed in 1986. She then became a member of Estherville Lutheran Church. Left to cherish Amelia's memory are her three sons, Richard Manthe of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Don Manthe and his wife, Vivian of Garland, Texas; Robert Manthe and his wife, Kip of Edgerton, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister, Bertha Hinsch of Estherville; many nieces and nephews, and special friend of Amelia and Richard, Dottie Rudd. She has been preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Martha Robinson and Emma Gaarde; one great grandson, Bruce Manthe; and daughter-in-law, June (Jo) Manthe. Memorials may be given to the Many Voices Choir or Friends of the Estherville Public Library.