Probituaries

When Inspire(d) founder Aryn Henning Nichols worked at a newspaper editing obituaries, she always wished she could have asked more questions of the folks memorialized in those columns. So when Inspire(d) launched in 2007, she immediately knew a feature that had to be included each issue: the Probituary: A Notice of Life! We feature local grandparents, elderly neighbors, long-standing community leaders, and more. Generally, these Q&A interviews are conducted by someone who knows the interviewee – we like to think of the questions as catalysts for conversation! We’ve received invaluable wisdom from the folks highlighted over the years. But don’t take our word for it – see for yourself! (Sidenote: If you’d like to interview someone you know for a future probituary, get in touch!)

Martha Deines

Current Issue

Martha Deines

My grandma, Martha Grace (Andrews) Deines, exudes love, happiness, and safety. I’m lucky to call her a close confidant and dear friend. In her life…

Probituaries

Marlene Fenstermann

Caring…for barns, flowering plants, and, most importantly, people, has been the mission and passion of longtime Decorah resident Marlene Fenstermann. Her husband Duane talked her…

Jerry Aulwes

Probituaries

Jerry Aulwes

Jerry was interviewed by his daughter, Julie Spilde Jerry Aulwes has been a friendly face in downtown Decorah for many years. You may see him walking…

Anni Weilgart

Probituaries

Anni Weilgart

Anni Weilgart was Interviewed by one of her daughters, Lindy Weilgart Anni Weilgart, 100, grew up in Berlin, Germany, experiencing WWII as a teenager.  She…

Probituaries

Walter Langland

Walter Langland was Interviewed by family friend Heidi Ludeking Walter Langland served in both WWII and the Korean War. Interviewer Heidi Ludeking had the privilege…

Vonnie Linnevold

Probituaries

Vonnie Linnevold

Vonnie Linnevold was interviewed by her daughter, Becky Shaw My mother, Vonnie Linnevold, is a thoughtful and generous 98-year-old with an amazing memory. She was…

Probituaries

Margaret Grund 

Margaret Grund was interviewed by her granddaughter, Hannah, and daughter, Amy Margaret Grund (Kopel) is a woman who has worn many hats throughout her life:…

Probituaries

Hazel Grotegut

Hazel was interviewed by her daughter: Connie Sabbann Hazel Grotegut (born Hazel Telford) has lived in Decorah all of her 90 years with the exception…

Probituaries

Alfred Ludeking

Alfred was interviewed by his daughter, Heidi & two granddaughters, Kate & Andie Alfred Ludeking was born in 1933 and raised in Waukon, Iowa. He…

Viola Linderbaum

Probituaries

Viola Linderbaum

Interviewed by daughter Dianne Ameling Viola Linderbaum turned 89 in April of 2022. She presently lives at the Ossian Senior Hospice nursing home. She lived on…

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