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Iva Klusmeier Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, 320 East St. in Latimer, Iowa, with Rev. R.D. Streeter of Des Moines officiating.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and also one hour before services on Friday.
Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, 1207 Indigo Ave., rural Coulter, Iowa.
Iva Loraye Klusmeier was born Aug. 25, 1920, in Latimer, Iowa. She was the only child of Adolph and Oda (Petersen) Klusmeier. She received her elementary and high school education in the Latimer public school, and earned a BA degree from Upper Iowa University, where she was a Sigma Tau Delta member.
Iva was a school teacher for 52 years. She began her amazing career in Franklin County schools in 1939, teaching at Morgan, Lee and Oakland township schools for several years. Then, after one year at Franklin Community Schools, Iva accepted a position as English teacher at Sheffield-Chapin High School, where she remained for 40 years and became a legend.
Iva taught a variety of English courses during her tenure, including speech, drama and composition. She conducted the high school chorus for several years, directed school plays and sponsored many proms.
But Iva would tell you she didn't teach subjects, she taught kids. Because in addition to language skills, she taught them the value of discipline and hard work, and doing a job correctly and well. She helped her students find self-confidence and success. She taught them how to think, analyze and solve problems. She was a stern and demanding taskmaster, not always appreciated by her students at the moment, but unfailingly appreciated by them soon after graduation, as they began to realize what they had learned in her classroom.
Iva devoted her life out of the classroom to civic matters and to the American Legion. She served a term as mayor of Latimer, and worked hard both before and after her term for the betterment of her community.
Iva was an active and highly regarded member of the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary, holding the offices of state vice-president, third district president, state chaplain, and state historian. In addition, she was the education director for Iowa Girls State for several years. Iva received the distinctive honor of serving at Girls Nation one year.
Iva enjoyed a party once in a while, too.
Iva never married. Her "family" consists of the hundreds of students whose lives she touched and influenced, who so often stopped to visit her to express their appreciation for what she taught them, who invited her to their class reunions, and who will cherish her memory with stories about her for years to come.
In addition to her students, Iva is survived by her cousins, Charles and Helen Adamson, of Haubstadt, Ind.; teaching profession colleagues from throughout the area; fellow American Legionnaires from throughout the state; and many good friends and neighbors in Latimer who so generously looked after her during the past few years as her health declined.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Any who wish to honor Iva Klusmeier with a memorial should consider Hospice of North Iowa or The Iowa American Legion Foundation. Memorials in her name and expressions of sympathy may be mailed to her home address: 414 West St., Box 596, Latimer, IA 50452.
Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, Latimer, (641) 579-6278.
Memories and Condolences
for Iva Klusmeier
Dale Saylor
September 28, 2006
To this day, I still recall what words I can and cannot use (is, am, are, was, were, seem, feel, appear, etc.) each time I write something. And, frighteningly, I can still recite most of the Gettysburg Address from memory because of her. She was an incredible educator whose contributions will be truly missed.
Helen Adamson
September 19, 2006
I was Iva's Family from Southern Indiana, it's so hard to know where to start , it made me feel so good to have read all the Guest Book Entries from all over the USA and even Japan to know how everybody felt about that wonderful person who we will all miss she was like a sister to me since my sister died so young . I probably would of had a hard time in Iva's English classes. I know when she would come to Indiana she always had some really good stories to tell about her High School kids in Sheffield. All I can say from the bottom of my heart a big THANKS for all the teachers, students and friends that this special person had in her life since I here in Indiana could't always be there for her. Charlie & Helen Adamson.
Blaine Cormaney
September 18, 2006
Miss Klusmeier had a passion to educate about life, as much as her courses in the classroom. I knew I was in for it when I crossed her doorstep at Sheffield Chapin High School. She had previously taught my father and older sister. The consensus was, "This Gal Is Tough." Her stern manner demanded respect while her heart showed it was for your own good. I thanked God I had her as an instructor and friend once I reached college. We'll never know how lucky we were to have her. Peace be with you Miss K.
Dan Schoepf
September 17, 2006
Today I will do a bit of teaching in a public setting, and my packaging of the content will be largely influenced by Miss Klusmeier. She provided the foundation for diagramming sentences and framing thoughts with proper grammar and flow. She also still is the content for many an illustration about commitment to students. In a society which falters at communication, those of us who sat under her teaching can claim a "leg up." (Frankly, I better double check my grammar in this paragraph!) Thanks much to Miss Klusmeier!
Aaron Spurr
September 16, 2006
One of my most vivid memories from 8th grade was when our class had a visit from the high school guidance counselor to help us prepare for the transition to high school. Since we were still in Chapin at the time, moving to high school seemed like a really big deal. We had the typical concerns of a bunch of kids about to become high schoolers, but our number one, biggest concern was Communications class with Miss Klusmeier. She had such a reputation that we were shaking in our boots months before we even started 9th grade.
I can say with all honesty that what I know about writing and public speaking are a direct result of what I learned from Iva Klusmeier. I always struggled in her classes, but I’m proud to say I can still diagram a sentence and explain why knowing how is important. She taught me how to write so well that I tested out of every single English class requirement in college. I have yet to come across a teacher who has impacted me in the same way.
Jean Schaefer Gallina
September 16, 2006
What a wonderful and inspiring woman she was to so.... many.
David Heimer
September 15, 2006
I consider myself one of the lucky ones, even luckier than most, because I got to know Miss Klusmeier as Iva. She was more than just an English teacher; she was a mentor, a friend and a confidant. Behind that icy classroom stare that most of you are familiar with, was a kind and gentle person, who was full of life and with whom I often conversed about sports, relationships, family, friends, (even bartending in Iowa City) and yes, the craft of inspiring children to learn. I am thankful for the fact that my wife got to know her and that my two year old son got to meet her. It was not Christmas at the Heimer house until Iva came over and had a Chivas or two.
The big buzz word in education, these recent years, has been “life-long learner,” well, Iva was WAY ahead of her time. Sure, she taught me how to diagram a sentence and how to appreciate poetry by memorizing “The Chambered Nautilus,” but more than that she taught me about life. Dedication, devotion, humor (ahhh who could forget the State Trooper incident in Senior English back in 87’ – thanks Dad), mental toughness and love of family and friends are just a few of life’s lessons that Iva taught me (and multitudes of others) through her musings, her acts of kindness, her diligence and yes, even her ability to teach about discipline by making David Mahn put gum on his nose. I could go on about how Iva has positively influenced my life, but I would just like to say – thank you, thank you, thank you, Iva. I strive each day to inspire my students as you have inspired me and if I am half as successful as you then my life in education will be time well spent. You will be sorely missed. God Bless.
John Crabtree
September 14, 2006
In my work I write every day, and rarely does a day pass without using what I learned from Miss Klusmeier. She will always be a part of me.
Pete Heimer
September 14, 2006
My family and I visited Iva in August. She was her old wonderful, feisty self: told me to tuck in my shirt and stick my gum on my nose, and when I introduced my “kids,” well, she started to turn purple and gasp for air. So quickly I told her that my paragraphs were double spaced, had at least 125 words, and contained only active voice verbs; that calmed her. And I decided not to tell her about all the “stuff” we did during the summer…
Iva lived her life as she instructed us: “This above all: to thine own self be true…” Jonny Brayton can still finish that quotation from Hamlet. We read that play in senior English 25 years ago in Sheffield, IA, and I teach it today in Osaka, Japan. (And my students are not allowed to use "kids" unless they mean baby goats.) Miss Klusmeier’s influence spanned the globe.
Matt Brinkman
September 14, 2006
I will never forget Miss Klusmeier. She taught me so many lessons in English class that I still use today. I remember on our senior class trip we were playing cards on the bus and she sat right in the middle of all of us, playing cards. That is a memory I will never forget.
Jolene (Jacob) Anderson
September 14, 2006
Many times over the past years, I have come to thank Miss Klusmeier for her dedication to our learning. The lessons I learned from her both in English class and chorus have been invaluable. She was an example to us all.
Craig Taylor
September 14, 2006
She was one of Iowa's finest and most beloved teachers I ever had. I can actually say I was in her last class she taught back in May of 1992.
David Heimer
September 14, 2006
I consider myself one of the lucky ones, even luckier than most, because I got to know Miss Klusmier as Iva. She was more than just an English teacher; she was a mentor, a friend and a confidant. Behind that icy classroom stare that most of you are familiar with, was a kind and gentle person, who was full of life and with whom I often conversed about sports, relationships, family, friends, (even bartending in Iowa City) and yes, the craft of inspiring children to learn. I am thankful for the fact that my wife got to know her and that my two year old son got to meet her. It was not Christmas at the Heimer house until Iva came over and had a Chivas or two.
The big buzz word in education, these recent years, has been “life-long learner,” well, Iva was WAY ahead of her time. Sure, she taught me how to diagram a sentence and how to appreciate poetry by memorizing “The Chambered Nautilus,” but more than that she taught me about life. Dedication, devotion, humor (ahhh who could forget the State Trooper incident in Senior English back in 87’ – thanks Dad), mental toughness and love of family and friends are just a few of life’s lessons that Iva taught me (and multitudes of others) through her musings, her acts of kindness, her diligence and yes, even her ability to teach about discipline by making David Mahn put gum on his nose. I could go on about how Iva has positively influenced my life, but I would just like to say – thank you, thank you, thank you, Iva. I strive each day to inspire my students as you have inspired me and if I am half as successful as you then my life in education will be time well spent. You will be sorely missed. God Bless.
Marcia Harvey
September 13, 2006
I truly appreciate her keeping us in line and teaching us even when we didn't want to be taught. I now realize exceptional teachers are rare and she was definitely an awesome teacher. She has touched us all in a positive way -- the proper way to speak, the proper way to sing and the proper way to shake hands in a graduation receiving line! I'll never forget her and the influence she has had on me.
Bridget Lahner
September 13, 2006
May God welcome this woman who touched so many lives with her wisdom and passion for the English language. We are all more intelligent, creative writers because of her firm guidance and intolerance for mediocrity. Those of us who attended her class remember many of her lessons to this day. We apply them to our professional and personal lives and reminisce of the constructive criticism she provided to help us all excel, not only in class, but in life. I am truly thankful for having known her.
Cheri Kammrad
September 13, 2006
A BA and an MA are minimal in comparison to the lessons I learned in English 11 and 12. Thank you,Miss Klusmeier. You truly made a difference.
Marlys Beyer-Hartman
September 13, 2006
One of the greatest teachers anyone could have ever had. Always remember to use correct English, or Miss Klusmeier's wrath will forever be on your conscience. No one will ever be able to take her place, and we who have had the privilege of having her teach us will all be blessed as having had the finest---May God Grant her much peace in her Eternal Home.
Kelly Etnier
September 13, 2006
As I have moved throughout my professional life, many coworkers have come tc critique my writing style. The end result has always been positive. One former supervisor once asked if I was an English major in college. I told him quite simply that I had grown up in Sheffield, Iowa and that Miss Klusmeier was my teacher.
Jane Etnier
September 12, 2006
Everyone in heaven better know how to conjugate a verb...or they soon will. Iva was unique. Many, many students were very fortunate to have her as a teacher, although we didn't always think so. Now quit clicking your ballpoint pen, tuck your shirt in and spit out the gum...you are in Miss Klusmier's class!
Pat Barnes
September 12, 2006
Iva will long be remembered for her "proper use" of the English language, which she taught for many years in the Sheffield-Chapin High School..
Pat Barnes and Family..
Priscilla Eddy
September 12, 2006
Iva will be missed for the person she was. She was not only a teacher and government official, but also a friend. She always had a smile and a little laughter to pass along one's way. She was a "special" lady and will definately be missed by many. May God bless her.
Howard Peters
September 12, 2006
Iva's influence was felt far beyond the school. Her work with Girl's State and her commitment to local government improved the lives of many, young and old.
Kris (Peters) Zutshi
September 12, 2006
A teacher whose lessons I'll never forget.
Mary (Beck) Steinbach
September 12, 2006
The "family" of Iva was huge. I know that her many "children" she taught over the years will remember the impression she made in their lives.
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