Anna May Klinker

Anna May Klinker was born in Denison, Iowa, May 3, 1915, the daughter of Peter John and Garnet Lucille Norman Klinker. She was raised in Denison where she graduated from Denison High School with the class of 1933. She then attended Francis Shimer School for Girls in Mount Carroll, Illinois, graduating in 1936. Continuing to pursue her education, Anna May then attended the University of Colorado in Boulder for two years before becoming ill and returning home. She completed her college education at Morningside College in Sioux City receiving her music degree in 1939. Anna May taught music in Community Schools until 1945 when she returned home to Denison to care for her mother following the death of her brother and father. In addition to caring for her mother, Anna May?s life in Denison was filled with her sharing of her musical abilities, singing for many churches and groups and directing various church choirs. She was active and held positions in the Faith Wesleyan Church, Friday Club, A.A.U.W., Iowa Federation of Women?s Clubs, Crawford County Federation of Women, Current Events Club, P.E.O., Retired Crawford County School Personnel, Tele-Care, Eastern Star, having served as Worthy Matron and a High Priestess of the White Shrine. In her spare time she enjoyed spending time at church camp, her home in Lake View, walking her dogs, reading, music, singing, swimming, making stocking caps for Indian children, and, in her younger years, riding her horse. In June of 2008 she moved to Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison where she has since resided. Anna May died early Monday, January 25, 2010, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 94 years, 8 months and 22 days. Anna May was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Garnet Klinker and her only brother, Norman Pershing Klinker who died in Italy while serving his country in World War II. Those remaining to cherish her memory include cousin, Nancy and husband, Richard Christiansen of Ann Arbor, Michigan, other cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 1, 2010, at the Faith Wesleyan Church in Denison, Iowa, with Pastor Mark Kirby officiating and longtime friend of Anna May, Pastor Lila Greene served as Eulogist. Music for the service included vocalist Sheri Plough singing "Amazing Grace" and "Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul" and the congregation singing "Precious Lord Take My Hand" and "Praise Him, Praise Him". Patricia Kirby served as pianist for the congregational hymns and Elizabeth Galbraith served as organist for the prelude and postlude. Pallbearers were Daryl Sorenson, Jack Greene, Terry Prickett, Dan Pfannebecker, Roger Dozark and Larry Carstensen. Interment was at the Oakland Cemetery in Denison. Following the interment all were invited to return to the church and share in fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the Faith Wesleyan Women. In keeping with Anna May?s wishes, memorials may be directed to the Cedar Springs Wesleyan Camp. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , in Denison was in charge of arrangements.