Lanette Saathoff

Lanette Jane Saathoff, 87 of Westbrook, MN, formerly of Grundy Center, IA died June 3, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center in Westbrook, MN. Funeral Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 9 at American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center, IA. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8 at Abels Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in Dike, IA. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lanette was born May 21, 1936 in Holland, IA, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Schmidt) Werkman.  She attended country school in the town of Holland and graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1954.  After graduation, Lanette worked at the Spokeman Press in Grundy Center.  On June 2, 1961 she was united in marriage to George C. Saathoff in Holland, IA.  This marriage was blessed with 3 children: Karla, Kevin and Kelly. Lanette spent her entire life as a devoted homemaker, farm wife and seamstress.  She created countless baby blankets, quilts, wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and made hundreds of alterations. She was a long time member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ryan, IA and in later years, American Lutheran in Grundy Center.  Lanette was involved with Bible School, Helping Hands Committee and with the ladies group at Peace Lutheran, especially sewing quilts.  Being a part of 4-H in Adams Township, Delaware County was something she took pride in, serving as a 4-H leader and youth mentor.  Supporting her children’s participation in sports was important to Lanette. She was a true supporter – uniforms, taxi service, making lunches or snacks and fund raising and never missed a game! Lanette enjoyed flowers and plants, feeding the birds, visiting over coffee or tea, and shopping.  Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her grateful family left to cherish her memory are her children: Karla (Bruce) Gundermann, Kevin Saathoff, and Kelly (Missy) Saathoff; 4 grandchildren: Kallie (Adam) Baumann, Eli Gundermann, and Lauryn & Kelsey Saathoff; 4 great grandchildren: Charlotte, Emmerson, Asher & Ainslee Baumann; sisters: Arlene (Melvin) Haupt, Lois Meester, and Diane Ascher; brothers-in-law: Arnold (Martha) Saathoff and Harold (Doris) Saathoff; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lanette is preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Anna; her parents-in-law: Arend and Freeda; husband George; sisters: Marge (Curt) Meester and Wanda (Gordon) Akers; and brothers-in-law: Sylvian Meester and James Ascher.