Trena Chinitz

Trena Chinitz, 90, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Trena Corrine Bartleson was born on June 11, 1928, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Lee and Ida (Bluem) Bartleson. She attended rural school at Pymosa #6 near Lorah and later Benton #2 through the 8th grade. Trena graduated from Wiota High School in 1945. Following graduation, she kept house for her parents and younger sister for several years until making her home in Atlantic. After the move, she started working at the Cass County Extension Office, and this is where she would meet her future husband, Phil Chinitz. Phil visited her office for a local news story, and as time went on the Extension Office was beginning to receive a considerable amount more coverage than usual. Two years later, on October 30, 1958, they were united in marriage. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Anna, and after she was born Trena stayed home with her and cared for the home. During this time, she volunteered for several organizations in the community.
She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic where she was an usher and a member of the ladies’ circle. Trena enjoyed collecting postcards from anywhere in Cass County and researching about the town of Lorah. She eventually wrote and published a book, “Memories of Lorah.” She volunteered and worked on the Cass County Election Committee for several years. Trena loved watching the birds and butterflies.

Trena is survived by her daughter, Anna Burk and significant other, Michelle Harrelson of Jarrell, Texas; step-granddaughter, Brandi Johnson of Killeen, Texas; step-great-grandchildren, Starla, Sitara, Kaleb and Marcus; sister, Dorothy Eyberg of Arispe, Iowa; sister-in-law, Marica (Sam) Goldberg of Oberlin, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Phil Chinitz; parents, Lee and Ida Bartleson; sister, Mardell Bartleson; and brothers-in-law, Oliver Eyberg, Ben (Goldie) Chinitz, and Manuel (Bjo) Chinitz.

Open visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, September 28, 2018, at Roland Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be held during a luncheon following the service on Saturday.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic, with Pastor Rachelle McCalla officiating. Burial will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family for designation at a later date to charities that Trena and Phil supported.

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

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Trena Chinitz
BORN
June 11, 1928 ~Atlantic, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
September 25, 2018 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 90 years, 3 months & 14 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2018
First United Presbyterian Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Rachelle McCalla

ORGANIST
Carolyn DeLay

CONGREGATIONAL MUSIC SELECTIONS
“I’ll Fly Away”
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” #611

SPECIAL TRIBUTE
Bob Sweeney

CASKET BEARERS
Gaylord Schelling
Roger Herring
Don Lappe
James Hickman
Jim Bartelson
Dwight Grantham

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Delmar Patterson
Allyn Bartelson
Bruce Henderson
Bob & Kathy Sweeney
Delbert & Lana Westphalen
Beverly Schelling
Elaine Grantham
Don Jenkins

INTERMENT
10:00 a.m.
Atlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa

Trena’s family invites you to join them for a time of visitation
and lunch immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the family for later
designation to organizations that Trena and Phil supported.