"I remember Claudine and Doug while growing up. Many after game parties at the Long Branch. I enjoyed seeing Claudine when we worked at Optimae and at the UP Home. She was a good lady. "
In loving memory of
Claudine J. Erwin
June 11, 1936 - January 8, 2021
KEOTA-Claudine J. Erwin, age 84, of Washington, formerly of Keota, died Friday, January 8, 2021, at the Washington County Hospital.
Claudine was born June 11, 1936, in Keota, to Harry and Iva (Lenninger) Heisdorffer and graduated from Keota High School in 1954. On June 9, 1956, she married Douglas Erwin at St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota. Following marriage they moved several times while Doug was working construction. They then returned to Keota and owned Hot Stuff Pizza, Erwin Brothers Video, Flowers by Claudine and the Long Branch. Claudine was a member of Holy Trinity Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society. She also served on the Keota QRS, the Wilson Memorial Library board and was the first woman to be elected to the Keota City Council. Claudine enjoyed going to her sons' football games, granddaughter's softball games, playing cards with her friends at the U.P. Home, listening to Elvis Presley music and watching Elvis Presley movies.
Survivors include four sons: Randal (Vicki) Erwin of West Chester, Ronald Erwin of Cedar Rapids, Reggie (Dee) Erwin of Ankeny and Russell "Gus" (Bonnie) Erwin of West Des Moines; one granddaughter: Michelle (Dylan) Wertz of Kalona and sister-in-law: Lora (Joe) Van Lent of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Doug in 2009; brother: Arden Heisdorffer in 1970 and sister: Mary Grace Mayer in 2018.
Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Robert Lathrop officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the Powell Funeral Home facebook page. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries - St. Mary's Cemetery in Keota. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at the church, where there will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m. Mask usage and social distancing are required at both the visitation and funeral.
A memorial fund has been established for the Keota Fire Department or Keota QRS. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Claudine and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"My condolences to all of the Erwin boys. She always kept me on my toes. Truly, a Great women!"
"She was one of the sweetest ladies I know. She was also one of our West Chester First Responders for a short time. Truly a special person! Heartfelt condolence to the family. "
"Sending my condolences to all the family. Losing your Mom is one of hardest things anyone can go through. I had a couple of very nice visits with Claudine when she was in the room next to Mom at the UP Home. Such a dear lady and to my surprise she knew who I was immediately. Reggie, I don't have a great story like the one you shared with us after Mom passed. You have no idea how much we needed that laugh when I read it aloud to all. We thank you for that so much and I wish, I had one in return. I know you are all looking back on the great memories and will cherish them always. Hugs to you all, Sandy Mast"
"I loved Claudine and enjoyed seeing her each day. Such a SWEET lady. My thoughts and prayers are with her family that they may find peace and comfort in their memories."
"I am so sorry to hear about Claudine's passing. We were first cousins. Her father, Harry, was my mother's (Gertrude Henry) brother. I was only eight years old in 1956 when she was married, but I can still remember the wedding reception."
"I am so very sorry to learn of Claudine?s passing. I know what a great loss this is and want you to know you have my deepest sympathy. Claude was a very special person and always had a big smile on her face.
What a lovely lady!
Jane Sieren "