Ila Fern (Schoening) Hetzel

Visitation:  Thursday, December 17, 2020, 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust Street, Glenwood, Iowa.

Private Graveside services are planned.

Ila Fern Schoening Hetzel passed away on December 11, 2020 after a long illness. Ila was born on October 10, 1938 to Myron Samuel and Jessie Virginia (Stewart) Schoening at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her early years were spent on the family farm west of Mineola. She attended Letal country school through eighth grade. There was no bussing for high school in Glenwood at that time, so she moved out on her own at the age of 13 to continue her education. She lived in an apartment near her grandmother Alice Stewart and supported herself as a waitress through high school. When she had free time, Ila enjoyed dancing and listening to polka music.

It was during this time that Ila met the love of her life, Joe Hetzel. He became a regular customer at the restaurant and took her to dances in Mineola. He even paid her rent when money was tight. They married on June 3rd, 1956 less than a month after her graduation. She had to get her father’s permission because she was only 17. To this marriage, two children were born: Shirley Virginia and Scotty Joe. For most of Ila and Joe’s marriage, they lived and farmed together on the Hetzel family farm north of Tabor. They raised cattle, hogs, chickens, and large gardens that fed their family and many others. Ila and Joe were married 56 years when he passed away in 2013.

Ila’s greatest love was feeding her family and others. Nothing made her happier than a clean plate and a full stomach. Many high school boys experienced an Ila Fern “lunch” while helping with haying or walking beans. Ila’s lunch or snack in the afternoon was a hot meal or hearty sandwich with giant muffins for dessert. Her cooking is a fond memory for anyone who knew her. Her pies were known throughout the county.

When not farming, Ila enjoyed several hobbies. She was an accomplished seamstress and produced many pieced quilts that are cherished by her children and grandchildren. Ila also enjoyed gardening and raised a large garden plus a large sweet corn patch. She taught family members how to freeze sweet corn and make pickles. Her house was a welcoming place for all who knew her.

Ila was a member of the Methodist church, which she joined after her marriage to Joe. However, her heart always belonged to the Lutheran Church of her youth. This was demonstrated by her recent insistence to have her Catechism at her side. Her faith in Christ was personal but strong. She did not fear her coming death because she believed.

Ila was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her son-in-law, and a granddaughter. Left to mourn her are her two children: Shirley and husband Roger Curry, son Scott and wife Pam Hetzel, grandchildren: Michael and Kaely Fisher, Joseph and Jessica Hetzel, Jacob and Michelle Hetzel, Jennifer and Brendan Manderly, Julia Hetzel and husband Patrick Russell, and Matthew Fisher and significant other Casey Hoyt , great grandchildren Emylah, Perrin, Eleanor, Evelyn, and Abigail plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tabor Public Library Fund.

Interment, Tabor Cemetery, Tabor, Iowa.