Service SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2002, 10:30 AM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MANNING, IOWA

Officiating REVEREND LARRY MCALPINE

Music "THE OLD RUGGED CROSS", "JESUS LOVES ME", "BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC" CONGREGATION

"How GREAT THOU ART", CAROLYN MILLER, VOCALIST
JOANN KARSTEN, ORGANIST

Interment MANNING CEMETERY

Casketbearers MIKE STOUT, KENNY BAKER, PAT STOUT, ANDY STOUT, LEONARD DAMMANN, JOEL SCHILTZ

Honorary Casketbearers EVAN DAMMANN, DAVE DAMMANN, TIM SMITH, DARYL DAMMANN, DAVE LENSE, ALLEN SWANSON

THE FAMILY WISHES TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR YOUR KINDNESS EVIDENCED IN THOUGHT, WORD, AND DEED, AND INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR LUNCH AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE CHURCH FOLLOWING THE COMMITTAL SERVICE.

DRIVERS IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION MUST TURN ON VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS, DRIVE IN A CLOSE FORMATION AND REMAIN ALERT

Gertrude Madonna, daughter of Evrett George and Katherina (Boyens) Farley, was born August 31, 1918, In Manilla, Iowa. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Perry, Iowa. She graduated from Perry High School and then completed a short course in dairy industry at Iowa State College in Ames. Gertie then moved to Des Moines where she worked as a clerk at an A & P store.

She was united in marriage with Ed Niederfrank and to this union a daughter, Sharon Rae, was born. They lived In Sioux City where Gertie worked at a bakery.

On March 11, 1947, Gertie was united in marriage with Hugo (Shorty) August Dammann in Des Moines. They made their home in Manning and raised four children. She worked at the Manning Creamery Company making ice cream and butter and also worked in food service for Manning Community Schools. Gertie was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the VFW Auxiliary and Senior Citizens Group. After her retirement she helped with the congregate meal program at the Senior Center and volunteered in her church, the RSVP Grandma Reading Program and several other organizations. Gertie's love for her family and her country was evident through the enjoyment of her grandchildren and her active involvement In community activities. In her spare time, Gertie enjoyed traveling, gambling, bowling and collecting Beanie Babies.

Gertie's health began to fail a number of years ago, however, she was able to remain at home with the care of her family. She suffered a fall at home in late September 2002. After a couple of days in the hospital she moved to the Manning Plaza Nursing Home to recuperate. She died shortly thereafter at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center on Wednesday, October 9, 2002, at the age of 84 years, 1 month and 8 days.

Preceding her in death are her parents; daughter Sharon Rae Swanson; two sisters Beulah Mae Baker and Alice Elizabeth Stout; and four brothers-in-law: Paul Bogatzke, William Dammann, Walter Dammann and Charles Stout.

Gertie is survived by her husband Hugo (Shorty) Dammann of Manning; three children: Dorthie Dee (Dottie) and husband Robert Schiitz of Manning; Robbie Lynn Dammann and wife Cathy of Manning; and Rickie Glynn Dammann and fiance Sheryl Benson of Manning; nine grandchildren: Kristine and Helge Jordal of Mentone, CA; Stacy and Jerry Moore, Joel and Erin Schiltz of Des Moines; KaDee and Tim Smith of Manning; Shelby, Caylee, Breana and Evan Dammann of Manning; and Angie Gibb of Phoenix, AZ; six great grandchildren: Chandler and Travis Moore; Lucas, Colton and Ethan Smith; and Kirklin Schlitz; son-in-law Dr. Allen J. Swanson of Mason City; brother Willard Lee Farley and wife Jean of Hacienda Heights, CA; Debra Nissen Lense and her family of Rochester, NY, who Gertie considered part of her family; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Ruth Bogatzke of Milwaukee, WI; Arla Dammann of Manning; Leroy (Tater) Dammann and wife Pearl of Manning; Melinda Dammann of Manilla and Don Baker of Sioux City; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Do you think the time is right?

May I say good-bye to pain filled days and long and restless nights? I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be, so can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might, but something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.... its difficult to stay, but I will try as best I can to live just one more day, to give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.

I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears. I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know that my spirit will be close to you, wherever you go.

Thank you so much for loving me, you know I love you too.

That's why it's so hard to say good-bye and end this life with you.

So hold me now, just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.