Genevieve G. Kulow

Genevieve G. Kulow

Services for Genevieve G. Kulow 82 of Graettinger, Iowa will be Monday, April 1, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. Burial will be in St. Jacobs Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 8 with a prayer service at 7:30 all at the Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to services. The Fort Dodge Funeral and Cremation Service, Historic Bruce Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Genevieve Gertrude Leduc , daughter of William and Gladys (Rhoades) Leduc was born October 6, 1930 at her grandparents farm east of Graettinger, Iowa. She attended one-room country schools and Graettinger High School. Genny married Elroy Alfred Kulow on August 25, 1947 in Jackson, Minnesota and later had this union blessed at Immaculate Conception Parish. After Elroy returned from the service, the couple made their home in Graettinger, Iowa. Genny was a waitress at area cafes including Potters Bakery, Ruckers, Helens, and Peoples. After being blessed with seven children, she worked at P.G. Grays, Wadcos, and Gary Wells. Most recently Genny volunteered many hours at the Graettinger Market helping her daughter, Shelly.

The couple loved to dance and play cards with other couples in town. They also went on many fishing trips “up north” at Black Duck, Minnesota with Arlin and Roberta Kulow. Elroy and Genny were very active members in the community and were named Grand Marshalls in the Graettinger Labor Day Parade in 1995. Elroy passed away on September 20, 2002. Genny continued to live at her home in Graettinger where all seven children were raised. Genevieve Gertrude Kulow passed away at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville on March 27 at the age of 82 years, five months, and 21 days.

Genny was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Graettinger where she received baptism, first communion, and confirmation. She was an active member of the Rosary Society and American Legion Auxiliary. To Genny, family was the most important thing. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildrens sporting events and other school activities. Genny could be seen working in her yard. She had flower gardens surrounding her house and a large vegetable garden. She spent many hours canning and freezing. Genny was an excellent baker. She knew everyones favorite treat and always had it ready for them. Golfing, going to BINGO, and playing the slots at Jackpot or in the later years the Wild Rose, were just some of Gennys favorite pastimes.

Genny is survived by her seven children; Steve Kulow of Estherville, Tim (Joy) Kulow of Fort Dodge, Shelly (Roger) Schmitt of Graettinger, Tammy (Don) Bonner of Estherville, Jackie (Jim) Thoreson of Lakefield, Julie Bonner of Estherville, and Kathy (Rod) Foster of Armstrong. Genny was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers William Leduc of Graettinger, Willis (Jean) Leduc of West Moreland, TN; two sister-in-laws, Roberta Kulow of Graettinger, Leona Simington of Spirit Lake; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Genny is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elroy; sister, Marie Anderson; son-in-law, Rick Bonner; brother-in-law, Arlin Kulow; sisters-in-law, Bernice Weems and Anita Stigman.

Fort Dodge Area Funeral & Cremation Service, Bruce Funeral Home