In Memory of Gretchen A. Louderback

Gretchen Louderback, age 88, of Battle Creek, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2019, at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2019, in the Roseland Cemetery of Sanborn, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2019, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.  The Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Gretchen Ann Louderback, the daughter of Murvin and Marie (Taylor) Hopkins, was born on October 11, 1930, in O’Brien County, IA. She grew up and received her education in the O’Brien County area.

On January 11, 1957, she was united in marriage to Warren B. Louderback in Dakota City, NE.  The couple were blessed with three children: Robert, Rodney, and Sue. After their marriage they lived in Sanborn, Hinton, Battle Creek and Kingsley, IA areas. Warren passed away on March 31, 1980.

Gretchen moved back to Battle Creek in 1983. She worked for IBP in Dakota City, NE for 15 years. She retired in 1990 and relocated to Sanborn to care for her mother. After her mother's passing in 1995, Gretchen moved to Sheldon to help her sister Nancy maintain apartment property. In 1998 she relocated to Holstein where she was employed at Ida Services Incorporated (ISI) and Klinger Properties. In 2005, Gretchen officially retired and relocated back to Battle Creek to be close to family.

During her retirement, Gretchen enjoyed spending time with family and an occasional trip to the casino. She had a deep affection for her devoted poodles: Tiny, Cookie and Casey.  In her free time, she loved sewing and crocheting. Gretchen will always be remembered for her infamous sewed pot and bowl holders as well as her intricate afghans.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Sue (Doug) Schultz of Battle Creek, IA; daughters-in-law Julie Louderback of Spirit Lake, IA and Robin (Bruce) Burnham of Kingsley, IA; six grandchildren: Amy (Mark) Forbes of Ida Grove, IA, Brian (Amanda) Schultz of Fremont, NE; Holly (Todd) Jorgensen of Sloan, IA, Jenny Hofer of Sioux City, IA, Lanny (Tammy) Allen of Sheldon, IA and Orry Ladwig of Hartley, IA; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings: Keith (Norrine) Hopkins of Concan, TX, Jeanette Endorf of Sanborn, IA, Marian Andersen of Austin, TX, Butch (Dayle) Hopkins of Tifton, GA, Nancy Huff of Sheldon, IA, Jean (Phil) Snyder of Sanborn, IA and Jane (Ken) Conaway of Council Bluffs, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents Murvin and Marie Hopkins; sons Rodney and Robert; great-granddaughter Kysa Forbes; sister Marveen Lange; sister-in-law Madeliene Hopkins; brothers-in-law Bob Huff and Arley Endorf.