Colette Potthoff

    Colette Helen, daughter of William and Anna (Mattes) Siepker was born August 1, 1924, in Carroll, Iowa.  She graduated from St. Angela’s Academy in 1941.  On July 14, 1947, Colette and Maurice Potthoff were united in marriage at St. Peter and Paul Church in Carroll.  From this union of 68 years, ten children were born. She and Maurice owned and operated a family farm north of Halbur for most of their lives.  She loved entertaining family and friends, going to dances, playing cards, having coffee with neighbors, but always kept her children as her main priority.  She was a member of St. Augustine Parish, the Catholic Daughters, and the ladies’ guild in Halbur. 

   In 2002, Colette and Maurice retired and moved to a condo in Carroll near the golf course.  She continued to play games and cards with family and friends.  She loved keeping up with her grandkids’ activities and enjoyed being involved in their lives.  She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish and was a volunteer in the St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary.

   In 2013, Colette and Maurice became residents of Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Carroll. In September, 2015, she moved to Hawkeye Care Center with Maurice.   Colette passed away at St. Anthony Hospital on February 3, 2017, at the age of 92 years, 6 months and 2 days.

   Left to celebrate her life are her children, Keith (Winnifred) Potthoff of Carroll; Randall Potthoff of Carroll; Steven (Linda) Potthoff of Omaha, NE; Janine (Jon) Kirk of Ft. Calhoun, NE; Scott (Cathy) Potthoff of Carroll; Tom (Paula) Potthoff of Bettendorf; Sue Haylor of Makawao, HI; Larry (Ann) Potthoff of Gilbert, AZ; Jeffrey (Michelle) Potthoff of Urbandale, IA; and daughter-in-law, Juanita Merrigan-Potthoff of Bennington, NE; 27 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sister Mary Ann Schlorholtz; sisters-in-law Marlene Siepker, Connie Siepker, Annebelle Carter, and Margaret (Peg)  Schleisman,; and other relatives and friends.

   Preceding her in death is her husband Maurice Potthoff in December, 2015; her son Ronald in September, 2011; parents William and Anna; sisters Leona (Leon) Louis, Margaret (A.G. “Boots”) Schrad, and Eleanor (Don) Smith; brothers Lawrence (Josephine) Siepker, Albert (Jeanette) Siepker, Leo Siepker, Raymond Siepker, and Bill Siepker.

Reverend Timothy Johnson, Celebrant Reverend Brian Feller, Concelebrant Reverend Steven Brodersen, Concelebrant            Eucharist  Ministers                      Mass Servers Winnifred Geelan-Potthoff                    Tessa Potthoff                            Cathy Potthoff    Yvonne Klaver                Abigail Potthoff                                                              Lectors                         Gift Bearers Stacy Potthoff                      Mattie Potthoff  Katie Zach                            Rachel Potthoff  Jill Potthoff                           Kerri Potthoff   Paige Beske                            Mara Potthoff       Music “Here I Am Lord”  “On Eagle’s Wings”       “We Will Rise Again”    “Let There Be Peace On Earth”    Holy Spirit Choir     Barb McDermott, Accompanist   Casket Bearers Mike Potthoff    Justin Kirk    Ryan Kirk    Jess Potthoff    
Dan Potthoff   Kevin Potthoff   Garrett Potthoff   Jordan Haylor      Honorary Casket Bearers Colette’s Children   Honor Guards Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary   Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carroll, Iowa

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maurice & Colette Potthoff Memorial Fund at Kuemper Schools or the Holy Spirit Parish Endowment Fund.