On February 2nd, 2023, family members, through our presence and prayers, helped usher the Lord’s faithful servant, our mother, Lucille Marie Bisbee, into His loving hands.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2023, at United Church of Christ in Osage with Pastor Dixie Laube officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Champion Funeral Home in Osage.
Lucille was born on July 30th, 1927, as the fourth child of six, to the parents Edward and Hulda (Ahrens) Brandau. She grew up on a farm near Rudd, Iowa and lived a life that was influenced by a traditional German-Swiss heritage, placing her faith and family as the most important aspects of her life.Her formative years took place in a one-room school house. Later she finished her high school education at Rudd High School. Her pursuit of further her education led her to Hamilton Business School, studying secretarial and business concepts. She loved her numbers!!
She met the love of her life, our dear father, Neil Bisbee, at a roller-skating rink. Later in their lives, as we watched them while growing up, we all marveled at their elegant footwork while skating, hand-in-hand, at the local skating rink. On September 28, 1949, they were married at Eden Presbyterian Church, near Rudd, officiated by her Uncle Edward Ahrens. Their first home was a farm near Toeterville and in 1955 they moved to the Decker-Bisbee homestead on the state line road. Our mother was a stay-at-home mom and taught each of us life lessons that to this day we all recount those important lessons. She was our coach, homework helper, and most importantly, she and our father led us in learning about our faith.
If there were such a thing as hobbies in those days, our mother would be counted as a master gardener, a chef and baker, a seamstress, and Master of the card game 500, to name a few. She loved to be involved and encouraged her children whether it be sports, 4-H, or other school activities.
In the early 1970’s, our mother entered the work force, taking on positions in accounting at Fox River Mills. She loved traveling with our father, spending time with groups such as the Red Hat Society and local women’s church groups. As the grandchildren arrived, so did her enthusiasm and desire to partake in as much of their lives as possible. Her life’s lessons were well taught to each grandchild.
Dementia is a tough disease with which she waged an intense battle. Our mother continued as long as she was able to read, play cards, sing, and socialize. She always welcomed her family and friends. During this last Christmas season, she celebrated “one more Christmas” with her family and, it would seem, she told God she is now ready.
Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Neil (DOD 5/19/16). Her brother Reuben (Madge), Infant Brother Alton, and her sisters, Alice (John Ohden), Eunice (Homer Stockdale), and Elinor (Norval Sining). Neil’s sister, Beverly (Merrill Gaarder and Bob Williams)
She is survived by her children : Harlan and Mary Bisbee, Joyce and Dennis Rachut, Kay and Jim Ferris, Jerry and Pat Bisbee; by her grandchildren: Lisa Bisbee, Brian Bisbee, Steven Rachut (Beth), Kevin Rachut, Rachel Werges (Kevin), Emily Braun (Josh), Bradford Bisbee, Melissa Moretz (Nate), and Olivia Tersteeg (Austin). by her great-grandchildren: Abby, Caleb, and Ellery Rachut, Séamus Ferris and Lorelei Braun, Kole and Bria Moretz and by many dear nieces and nephews.
May the Light of Christ shine upon you, and with great love from our hearts, we will miss you.
Love, Harlan, Joyce, Kay, and Jerry
Champion Funeral Home, Osage (641) 732-3706.
schroederfuneralhomes.com
