Theresa Demeter

Theresa A. Demeter, 72, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2011, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Born January 11, 1939, in Manchester, IA, Theresa Ann was the daughter of A.B. and Clara (Thillen) Holtz. She graduated from West Delaware High School in 1957. On November 29, 1958, she married Joseph William Demeter in Manchester, Iowa. Joe worked for the IDOT and they lived in Columbus Junction, Council Bluffs, Fairfield, and Mt. Pleasant where they have resided since 1972. Theresa worked at Panther Drug and then Dr. Richard Buss D.D.S., for many years until her retirement. She was very active in community service. She served on many ministries at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church including CCD, Altar and Rosary Society, The Ladies of Charity, and Communion calls for the homebound. Along with Joe, she was involved with the Cursillo community and worked many youth retreats. Theresa also enjoyed serving as a member of the Henry County Health Care Auxiliary in the gift shop and information desk. Theresa had an enthusiasm for baking, sewing, flowers, and making her house an inviting home. She had a deep devotion to Mary and the rosary. Her greatest love was her family, and she was especially devoted to her grandchildren. Theresa is survived by seven children: Joseph (Julia) Demeter II of Oakland, CA; Cyndi (Bill) Hammes of Wilton, IA; John Demeter of Crawfordsville, IN; Elaine Demeter of Nashville, TN; Christine (Kirk) Davis of Gilbert, AZ; Michelle (Thomas) Johnson of Carthage, IL; Helen Bailey of Wever, IA; and seventeen grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Francis (Wilma) Holtz of Manchester, IA; Edward (Leta Mae) Holtz of Edgewood, IA; and Albert (Lucille) Holtz of Earlville, IA; and two sisters, Alberta Ronnebaum of Earlville, IA; and Marie (Harold) Wulfekuhle of Edgewood, IA. Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and an infant grandson, Matthew Demeter. Visitation will begin after 12:00 noon on Tuesday, October 4th, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. that evening. A Christian Vigil Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited following the vigil service. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5th at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Phung, celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Memorials have been established to Camp Courageous and the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Alphonsus Church. On line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com