Grace A Voetmann

Grace Andersen Voetmann, 88, of Weslaco, Texas, formerly of Cedar Falls, went to be with her Lord Jesus on Sunday, May 4, 2008, after a lengthy illness.  Grace Marie Bailey was born in Waterloo on February 21, 1920, to Albert O. Bailey and Marie Katherine Bunger Bailey. Grace's father passed away in 1924, and due to hard times, Grace, her brother Albert and her sister Helen went to live at the Waverly Orphans Home, now known as Bremwood. Grace lived there for 12 years. In that time, Grace received a wonderful religious training and has thanked God many times for the care and upbringing that Waverly provided.

Grace graduated from Cedar Falls Normal High School and following graduation attended the American Institute of Business, Des Moines. She was employed as a secretary for the Viking Pump Co. and then as secretary for the Cedar Falls' city engineer. The last 20 years of her career were as secretary-bookkeeper for Dietrick Turkey Farm. Grace was united in marriage to Eivind Anderson in December 1941 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls. Eivind died from cancer in June 1980. They had been married for 30-1/2 years and had no children. In 1981, Grace met Paul Voetmann, a widower who also was from Iowa. They were married in 1982. Grace spent 12 very happy years with Paul. They moved to Wayzata, Minnesota, and then to Apple Valley, Minnesota, where they kept a summer residence. Paul and Grace spent winters at their mobile home in Wintergreen Estates in Mission, Texas. Paul passed away in 1994.

Grace is survived by her stepson, Paul Gary Voetmann of Wayzata; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dr. Albert Bailey; and her sister, Helen Niffenegger. Grace has always been active in the Lutheran Church. She was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, and in 2007 Grace was welcomed by Pastor Randy Nicholas and the wonderful congregation of Hands of Love Lutheran Church in Weslaco. Grace will be sadly missed by her friends everywhere. Grace wrote: "Although I have moved many times, I'm looking forward to this last great move when I shall see my loving Savior."

A memorial service for Grace was held on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at 2:30 pm at Hands of Love Lutheran Church in Weslaco. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls.