Alberta Etta Hodam

1923 - 2017

Alberta Etta Hodam

Des Moines

Alberta Etta "Bertie" Hodam passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 17 at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 49th St. in Des Moines, IA 50310. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service.

Bertie was born July 21, 1923 in LeMars, IA to Albert and Grace (McDougal) Null. She graduated from LeMars Central High School in 1941. She later received her B. A. from Huron College in Huron, SD in June of 1946 where she was chosen for the Who's Who in American Colleges for being one of the only females to be the President of the student body! She taught English, Speech and Spanish at Cherokee Wilson High School in 1946 - 47.

She was married to William (Bill) F. Hodam on June 20, 1947 and to this union four children were born. Bill and Bertie made their homes in Sheldon, Aurelia, and Des Moines IA. Bertie held jobs as a typist for the City Clerk's Office in Des Moines, a secretary for Adult Education with Des Moines Public Schools, a secretary for Calvert Realty in Des Moines and retired as a secretary working for the State of Iowa. Bill passed away in December of 2002, after several years by herself Bertie decided to move into Calvin Community where she has resided for the last nine years.

Bertie enjoyed spending time with her family, singing, playing cards, working on crossword puzzles, and any kind of chocolate! She also volunteered at Easter Seals, Methodist Hospital and at the Voter poll station at Calvin Community for many years. Her faith was very important to her and she loved to help in any church activity she could. She sang in the choir and as a soloist, headed the Prayer Chain for years, participated in Bible studies, as well as co-chairing the Church Library committee. She also called members of her church on their birthday to sing Happy Birthday to them!

Bertie is survived by her children, Frederick (Janie) Hodam, David (Rama) Hodam, Leah Evans, and Mary (Mark) Strum; 7 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Vogt; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the nurses, CNA's, activity directors and Dr. Hockett from Calvin Community for taking such good care of Bertie during her stay there.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.