Obituary of Alma Gerken

Alma was born on September 13, 1910 in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of John B.H. and Anna (Roling) Gerken. She attended elementary and high school at St. Francis Academy in Dyersville for 12 years and graduated from St. Francis Academy High School in June 1927. Alma then attended teaching college (now U.N.I.) in Cedar Falls to obtain her first teachers certificate later continuing her teaching education by attending Clark College in Dubuque and gained additional college credit work through Upper Iowa College at Fayette and University of Iowa in Iowa City. She began her teaching career in September 1927 at St. Francis Academy and spent the 1927-1928 school year assisting Sr. M. Mathilda teach 60 enrolled first grade pupils who had never spent a day in school before. Sr. M. Mathilda was also Alma's first grade teacher, 1914-1915 school year. Later Alma taught school for 48 years in rural schools of Dubuque and Delaware counties, St. Francis Xavier School and in the Western Dubuque County Community School system. She retired in May 1976 from Western Dubuque County Community School system where she taught 4th grade in Dyersville. Alma was a member of the Order of Martha, Senior Citizens and was one of the oldest member of Catholic Daughters of America since 1929. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Mildred Gerken of Elkader and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna (Roling) Gerken, a brother Alfred Gerken, 2 sisters: Emaline Oberbroeckling and Betty Westhoff and special cousin, Henry A. Roling. Condolences accepted and information at www.kramerfuneral.com.