Fetzer, Velma E.

Velma E. Fetzer, 85, of Mount Auburn, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo following a sudden illness. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Mount Auburn United Methodist Church, with Pastor Collette Gould officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be in Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Velma was born March 3, 1924, in Williamsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Laura Tromershauer Rathjen. She graduated from Williamsburg High School. In January 1946, Velma was united in marriage with Franklin Fetzer at her parents' home in Williamsburg. He preceded her in death in 2002. Velma worked as a hairdresser. She was a member of Mount Auburn United Methodist Church. She enjoyed painting, drawing, cooking and reading.

Velma is survived by two sons, Larry and John (Patti) Fetzer, both of Mount Auburn; two brothers, Keith (Kathleen) Rathjen of Dallas, Texas, and Marvin (Bev) Rathjen of Naperville, Ill.; two sisters, Evelyn (Bob) Nelson of Muskegon, Mich., and twin Thelma Naughton of North English; one grandchild, Kelly (Jamie) Fetzer, and one great-grandchild, Jayden Fetzer, both of Collinsville, Okla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, Orin and Orville Rathjen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Auburn United Methodist Church or Cedar Valley Hospice.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Velma and her family. Condolences may be left at