Jagnow, Ardath Helen

Ardath Helen Jagnow, 96, of Coralville, died peacefully at Country View Senior Residence in North Liberty, on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, of natural causes. Visitation will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 325 Mormon Trek Blvd., Iowa City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29. A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment will be at a later date at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

Ardath was born in Renwick, Iowa on Sept., 14, 1914, to Henry Emil and Marie Elizabeth Goettsch. She had a younger brother, Thomas, who was born Jan. 17, 1918. After graduating from high school, she attended Morningside College, where she received a teaching certificate, and later taught school in Bode, Iowa. On June 16, 1940, she married Dr. Albert Jagnow, who was a professor at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque. Her husband died suddenly on April 30, 1955. She attended the University of Dubuque and obtained her Iowa Teaching Certification. She taught country school in Dubuque County and then taught at Audubon School in Dubuque. In 1960, she was hired to teach at the University of Iowa's Pine School. The same day as she was hired to teach at Pine school, she bought the house at 212 Fifth St. in Coralville and a few weeks later moved to Coralville with her four boys.

She became a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. After teaching several years at Pine School she was hired to teach at Roosevelt Elementary School in Iowa City. At Roosevelt School she taught fourth grade and was instrumental in developing the Roosevelt Ravine into an outdoor classroom. She retired from teaching in 1981. After retirement she remained active in the community and taught English as a Second Language classes.

Ardath is survived by four sons, Albert (Karin) of North Liberty, Paul of Iowa City, David (Lavonne Jordan) of Albuquerque, N.M., and Mark (Connie) of Oxford; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 325 Mormon Trek Blvd., Iowa City, IA 52246-1744.

Online condolences may be directed to