"My sincere condolences Catherine and Lori. Your mother was such a kind, sweet, and talented lady. I enjoyed her sense of humor and work ethic. I know she will be greatly missed. Judy Reischauer "
In loving memory of
Nettie G Mein
March 20, 1931 - December 26, 2019
Nettie Grace Mein, 88, of Zearing, Iowa passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Mill Pond in Ankeny, Iowa. Visitation will be held at Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Zearing on Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the McCallsburg Presbyterian Church. A luncheon will follow at the McCallsburg Legion Hall. Burial will be held in the Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley, Iowa.
Nettie was born in Grundy County, Iowa on March 20, 1931 to Claus and Jennie (Harms) Van Hove. She graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in 1948. Nettie then attended the University of Northern Iowa Teacher's College for a year. She decided teaching wasn't right for her. While caring for an elderly neighbor, she began to discover a talent for floral design. After working for a flower shop in Grundy Center, she attended floral design school in Chicago. Nettie worked as a floral designer for over forty years at Ford's Flowers in Marshalltown, Creations in Story City, and finally Renner's Flowers in Marshalltown. One of the highlights of her career was designing the flowers for the actor Jean Seberg's wedding. Nettie was a highly regarded floral designer throughout her career.
Nettie married Hilko Mein on August 16, 1969 and to this union two daughters were born. Nettie was a member of the McCallsburg Presbyterian Church, the Zearing Methodist Church, and the American Legion Auxiliary Post #116. She loved to spend time with her family, cross stitch, press flowers, draw, paint, garden, reading, cooking, and baking.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Catherine Mein and Lorene Mein; siblings John Van Hove and Clara Smith; many nieces; many nephews; and many cousins.
Nettie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant brother Ben Van Hove, and sister Bernie Neft.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart association, American lung association, Zearing First responders or the Zearing Food Pantry in lieu of flowers.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Zearing has been entrusted with the care of Nettie and her family.
Tributes
"so sorry for the loss of your mother, she was a very kind spirited women. Lynn and Mary Coen"
"Deepest sympathy to Lori and Kathy she was a great lady . I remember her chasing my Dad around the church when her and your dad got married as my dad told her he wouldn?t be best man unless he had the largest boutonnière. She made him one 10 inches in diameter. Quite a lady Kevin and Julie Roske"
"My deepest sympathy to you Lori and Cathy. I will always remember her smile, witty comments, artistic talent, generosity to cats and dogs, her garden, her cooking, and so many memories over the years. You and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Nettie was the true rock of the Mein family keeping reunions and gatherings organized and scheduled. My immediate family and I loved her wit, sense of humor and joy for life and will miss her dearly. With great love may God bless her."
"Very sorry for your loss, Cathy and Lori. Your mom was a lovely lady, and always proud of you both. "
"Very sorry for your loss, Cathy and Lori. Your mom was a lovely lady, and always proud of you both."
"Remembering the days of preparation before the Mein reunion at all the going on in Netties kitchen what a wonderful lady"
"Lori and Cathy I am so sorry for your loss. Long distance hugs and prayers. I will always remember her beautiful smile and how kind she always was to me."
"Lori and Cathy I am sorry. I enjoyed every time I saw your mom in the short time I got to know her! She talked about both of you every time I saw her! I will miss her. My sympathy to you both. "