Gladys Kirschbaum

Gladys Kirschbaum, 83, of Crystal Lake passed away Friday, March 25, 2011 at Westview Care Center in Britt.  According to her wishes, Gladys has been cremated.

A gathering of family and friends will be on Monday, March  from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.   

Gladys Frieda (Henken) Kirschbaum, the daughter of Fred Sr. and Della (Spear) Henken, was born on October 25, 1927 in Titonka.  She was raised in the Titonka area, attended school and graduated from Titonka High School.

Gladys began working as a waitress at the Bungalow in Forest City after graduation and worked there for a number of years.  On February 14, 1955 Gladys was united in marriage to Vincent John Kirschbaum at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City.

The couple made their home on a farm East of Crystal Lake and they were blessed with two children: Paula and Perry.  Gladys helped on the farm and continued to waitress at the Bungalow.

Vincent passed away in 1978, but Gladys stayed on the farm and began working at Winnebago Industries.  In 1988 Gladys moved into Crystal Lake.  She continued working at Winnebago for a total of 19 years before retiring in 1991.  Gladys was a member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

Gladys enjoyed gambling, eating out, playing cards with friends, shopping, going to coffee and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren

Gladys is survived by her two children:  Paula (Kent) Kluver of Manchester and Perry Kirschbaum of Forest City; two grandchildren:  Brad Kluver of Mt. Vernon and Kellie Kluver of Cedar Rapids; sister Katie Helland of Sioux City; sister-in-law Janice Henken of Crystal Lake; along with nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Vincent in 1978; infant daughter Nancy; two brothers: Gerd and Fred Jr.; and sister Ruth Wheeler.