Harriet Alff

Harriet Alff, 90, of Anita, Iowa, died Friday, May 24, 2019, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Harriet Gene was born on August 13, 1928, at her family home near Brayton, Iowa. She is the third child of Albert and Florence Clausen and had four siblings: brother, Robert, sisters, Marjorie and twins, Ruby and Ruth. Some of the most memorable times they had together as a family were: Christmas, July Fourth in Exira, free shows on Tuesday nights in the summertime and taking dinner to Grandpa and Grandma Nelson’s house after church on Sunday. She attended country schools and graduated from Anita High School in 1947. On February 15, 1947, Harriet married Henry Alff in Hiawatha, Kansas and they were blessed with four children that they raised on the farm southeast of Anita. Henry’s mother, Amelia, lived with them until 1970, when she went to the nursing home in Anita. Henry farmed and Harriet helped him with the farming duties as well as working various jobs in town and caring for their home. She worked at or managed several different restaurants or cafes, including The Redwood Steakhouse for 14 years. She drove a school bus, worked in a bar, and was Dietary Supervisor at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Anita for 18 years before retiring at age 65.

In 1973, Henry retired and they moved from the farm into town where Harriet lived for the remainder of her life. In 1977, they managed a resort in Spirit Lake. Henry and Harriet were fortunate to be able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in February, before Henry passed away in March of 1997.

In 2000, Harriet was diagnosed as being legally blind due to macular degeneration; however, she stayed busy baking dinner rolls for B&J’s bar, and making potato salad and goodies for others. She enjoyed visits with her children and having time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed reading and listening to books.

Harriet was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita. She was always involved with the various positions within the church and was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

Blessed is the way Harriet described her life; she counted her loving family and many caring friends at the top of her list! They include her children, Howard (Marie) Alff, Nancy Farley and Bruce (Judy) Alff all of Anita and Connie (Steve) Riesselman of Vail, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Scott Alff, Joe (Jennifer) Farley, Sam Farley, Sarah (Brandon) Paulsen, Janice (Shawn) Worline, Jason (Nikki) Alff, Jarad Alff, Lee (Allison) Byrd, John (Kim) Byrd; 17 great grandchildren, Austin and Hannah Alff, Grace, Gus and Griffin Farley, Logan and Adaline Paulsen, Ashley and Josh DeBates, Shelby, Conner and Kylie Alff, Ryan, Emily and Mallory Byrd, and Adam and Avery Byrd; her sister, Ruby (Floyd) Krakau; brother-in-law, Jack Large; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Florence (Nelson) Clausen; her husband, Henry Alff; brother, Robert (Leona) Clausen; sisters, Ruth Large and Marjorie (Orville) Krakau; and her nephew, Richard Krakau.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2019, 3 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic with Pastor Ted Weishaupt, officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, Iowa.

Family will greet friends on Wednesday evening, May 29, 2019, from 5-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., also at Zion Lutheran Church.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Harriet’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com


IN MEMORY OF

Harriet Alff

BORN
August 13, 1928 near Brayton, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
May 24, 2019 - Des Moines, Iowa

At the age of 90 years, 9 months & 11 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
3 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2019
Zion Lutheran Church - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Ted Weishaupt

PIANIST
Jody Rudolph

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Borning Cry”
“I Am But A Stranger”
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
by Winston Hoegh
“Jesus Loves Me” by the Congregation

CASKET BEARERS
Lee Byrd
Jason Alff
Scott Alff
John Byrd
Joe Farley
Jarad Alff
Sarah Paulsen
Brandon Paulsen

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Janice Worline
Sam Farley
Allison Byrd
Nikki Alff
Kim Byrd
Jennifer Farley

INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery - Anita, Iowa


The family appreciates your presence today
and invites you to join them for supper at the
Anita Community Center following the interment.