Obituary of Floretta J Cobler

Floretta J. Cobler, 98, was born January 15, 1917, in Hawley, Minnesota, the daughter of Florian H. and Verdie (Wyland) Riedberger. She was a graduate of the Glyndon, Minnesota High School, and attended Teachers Normal Training in Moorhead, Minnesota, for two years. On September 16, 1938, Floretta was united in marriage with Earl C. Cobler in Sissiton, South Dakota. A longtime resident of the Newton area, since 1945, she had also lived in Minnesota and Oregon. She was employed by the Vernon Company in Newton, retiring after 20 years of service. Floretta devoted her life to her family and friends, and was a member of the Community Heights Alliance Church. Floretta passed from this life on Monday morning, November 30, 2015, at Heritage Manor in Newton, under the care of Skiff Hospice. Floretta is survived by her children and their spouses: Robert (Billie) Cobler of Jonesboro, AR, Leo “Nip” (Barbara) Cobler of Altoona, IA, Bonny (Fred) Simons and Marlene Waddle, both of Newton, IA, Vicky (Terry) Gaer of Aurora, CO, Michele (Terry) Stone and Sandra (Bill) Johnson, both of Nixa, MO; her 23 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Venda Aune, Iona “Penny” Syverson and DeLayne (Ron) Thorson; two brothers: Melvin (Peg) Riedberger and Orville (Donna) Riedberger; and many friends. Floretta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Earl on August 16, 1997; a daughter Patrica Hanna; five grandchildren: Sheryl Ann Winchell in infancy, Megan Stone, Valora “Lori” Cobler Jackson, Robert “Bobby” Winchell and Brian Winchell; a great-granddaughter Mackenzie Robinson; two sisters: (her twin) Veretta Westlund and Opal Burnside; and her brother Luverne Riedberger. Visitation will be 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who have been entrusted with the arrangements. A Time of Remembrance for Floretta, will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 4, 2015, at the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton, with burial at Newton Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials have been designated in Floretta’s name to Community Heights Alliance Church or Skiff Hospice. ~ ~ A time of fellowship and lunch with the family at the Community Heights Alliance Church, will follow the committal services.