Maxine Wohlenhaus

Maxine Elizabeth (Retz) Wohlenhaus, age 83, of Lewis, Iowa passed away Wednesday morning, September 5, 2001, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital.The daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Hamann) Retz, Maxine was born October 2, 1917 in Brighton Township in Cass County, Iowa. She was raised on a farm near Marne and attended country school at Brighton #5 graduating from Atlantic High School in 1935. She attended Peru State Teachers' College and taught rural schools for six years. In 1943, Maxine joined the WAVES, the Women of the Navy, and was discharged in 1946. During her enlistment she underwent basic training at Hunter College in New York City and then she was sent to the Navel Training School at Boston Business College. She was trained as a Storekeeper in Disbursement, a job similar to a bookkeeper. She was stationed at Notre Dame University and later at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. She then came home to work at the courthouse for the Cass County Soldiers Relief Department.Maxine married Vernon Wohlenhaus June 1, 1948 in Atlantic, Iowa. They were farmers and livestock producers for fifty-three years in Noble and Washington Townships. Maxine was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Women's Fellowship, Cass County Hospital Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star Golden Rule Chapter #194, American Cancer Society, Neighborhood Sew and So Club, past Sunday School teacher and 4-H Leader.Maxine is survived by her husband Vernon; two daughters, Janice and husband Randy Ratcliff of Ankeny, Iowa and Elizabeth and husband Douglas Johanson of Winnebago, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Brian Ratcliff and wife Amy of Ankeny, Iowa, Ben Ratcliff of Iowa City, Iowa, Jonathan Johanson and Kristen Johanson of Winnebago, Minnesota. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Gladys Muller.Funeral InformationA memorial service for Maxine will be held Saturday, September 8, 2001, at 10:30 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ south of Lyman, Iowa following the committal service at 9:45 AM at the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, Iowa. Reverend James L. Hansen will officiate.