Astred Linnea Schwab

BRITT - Astred L. Schwab, 91, of Britt died Monday, September 16, 2013 at the Kossuth County Regional Health Center in Algona.

Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Wednesday, September 18th at the Britt Zion Church of the Nazarene with Rev. John Paulus officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M., Tuesday at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Hancock County Historical Society, Armstrong House, in care of Robert Gopperton, 318 3rd St. S.W., Britt, IA 50423.

Astred Linnea Schwab was born in Wesley, Kossuth County, Iowa on April 15, 1922 the daughter of Palmer and Ida (Oscarson) Pearson. Her parents immigrated in 1914 (Palmer) and 1921 (Ida) from Sweden settling near Wesley and raising three children. Astred was born on a farm near Wesley along with two brothers, Arnold and Eldon. Palmer and Ida purchased a farm in Hancock County, southeast of Britt and lived there until retirement. The children attended schools in Britt. Astred graduated from Britt High School in l940. She took teacher's training there and taught in the county school north of Britt until her marriage to Harold in 1941. The couple moved on the Schwab family farm near Corwith, where they lived until 1978 when they moved to Britt. Astred enjoyed farming, taking care of the chickens, garden, and various household chores. She raised five children on the farm. Cooking three meals a day, plus morning and afternoon lunches during field work, took up much of her time. Also baked goods were taken to many events especially for church and family get-togethers. Astred's cold water chocolate cake with white frosting drizzled with chocolate sauce and swirled, was a favorite everywhere. Harold and Astred traveled throughout their marriage as long as they were able. They traveled throughout the USA, in Europe, Canada, Russia, Israel and Latin America as well. Astred volunteered for church activities, the American Cancer Society, and PTA, Gideons and various other organizations. The Church of the Nazarene in Britt was an important part of her and Harold's lives. Astred held various positions in the church as well as teaching Sunday school for years.

Astred is survived by her five children, Marlys Talidis of Rockford, IL and her son, Jim Talidis, Duane Schwab of rural Corwith, Dennis (Connie) Schwab of rural Corwith and their two children, Brandon (Sara) Schwab of rural Britt and their two children, Carter and Colin, and Lindsay (Nolan) Thilges of Clive, Joy Schwab of St. Paul, MN and Darlene Schwab, of Madison, WI; her two brothers, Arnold (Mary) Pearson of Mason City and Eldon (Gwen)Pearson of Garner; also cousins, Bertil (Ulla) Thernstrom and Gunner (Britt) Thernstrom of Karlshamn, Sweden; and several nieces.

Astred was preceded in death by her parents, Palmer Pearson (1890-1983), Ida (Oscarson) Pearson (1899-1976); her husband of 71 years, Harold (1917 - Nov. 22, 2012); a granddaughter, Stephanie Talidis; and nephew, William Pearson.