In Memory of Alvera Anna Minnie Gosch

Alvera Anna Minnie Gosch, 93, of Battle Creek died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. The Rev. Kevin J. Freese will officiate. Burial will be in Heisler Cemetery, Mapleton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Battle Creek. Condolence may be sent online to www.christensenhuffman.com.

Alvera was born on Dec. 13, 1919, in Ute, Iowa, the daughter of Albert and Alwine (Schneckloth) Christiansen. She graduated from Mapleton High School in 1937.

On Feb. 14, 1943, she married Arthur Gosch at the Lutheran parsonage in Ute. Alvera and Arthur lived in the Ute and Mapleton area, where they were members of United Church of Christ and she taught Sunday school. In 1952, they bought their farm south of Battle Creek, where they lived until 1973, when they built their own home in Battle Creek. Vera worked at Willow Dale Care Center in Battle Creek for 10 years.

She was then a member of First Presbyterian Church and as an active member, she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on the board of Deacons and as chairman of the Ladies Aid. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, knitting, crocheting, playing cards and reading.

Her surviving family includes a daughter, Jane and her husband, F. L. Schrunk of Danbury, Iowa; a son, Gail and his wife, Pat Gosch of Parkersburg, Iowa; five grandchildren, Tina and her husband, Garth Lords of Atlantic, Iowa, Tracy Schrunk of Sandy, Utah, Damon Schrunk and special friend, Laura Frye of Danbury, Jeremy and his wife, Christine Gosch of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Jody and his wife, Nikki Gosch of Kansas City, Mo.; six great-grandchildren, Carly and Lauren Gosch, Bryson and Abigail Gosch, Colton Frye, and Samantha Schrunk. Other survivors include nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in October 1993; a sister, Alberta Marsh and her husband, Floyd; two brothers; five brothers-in-law; and seven sisters-in-law.