Arma Jean Newbern

Arma Jean Anna Leona (Schroeder) Newbern, 87, Sanborn, formerly of Elkader and Guttenberg, was called home by her Lord on Jan. 23, 2022. Grau Funeral Homes, Elkader, are handling the arrangements for the family. Due to COVID-19, a service and internment will be scheduled at a later date.

Arma Jean was born Sept. 3, 1934, in Guttenberg, to Floyd and Ora (Haverland) Schroeder. She was baptized Oct. 7, 1934, and confirmed her faith April 10, 1949, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Guttenberg. Arma Jean grew up on the family farm close to Garnavillo. She attended Eagle District #2 Country School until eighth grade, when she began attending Garnavillo Community School. She graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1952.

Arma Jean earned a two-year teaching certificate from Wartburg College in 1954. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Upper Iowa University. Arma Jean began her teaching career in the Guttenberg Public School as an elementary teacher from 1954 until 1956. After caring for her young children at home, Arma Jean resumed her teaching career in 1963 as an elementary teacher in the Central Community Schools, Elkader, until her retirement in 1995. Before her retirement, she was recognized as a recipient of the KGAN Golden Apple Award as an outstanding educator. Arma Jean modeled community service for her children as she served on community and church boards throughout her life.

Arma Jean was united in marriage to Donald T. Newbern, Oct. 28, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Guttenberg. Arma Jean and Don remained devoted to each other until Don’s passing Oct. 29, 2013. To this union, three children were born, Dawn Alane, Bruce Alan and Jill Denise.

Arma Jean is survived by her three children, Dawn (Michael) Bilsten of Houston, Texas, Bruce (Karen) Newbern of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., and Jill (Dr. Terry) Boelter of Sanborn; nine grandchildren, Andrea (Alexander Shane) Pratt of Cedar Park, Texas, Anna Newbern of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Emily (Derick) Rouer of Forestville, Wis., Megan Newbern of Algoma, Wis., Jacob (fiancée Dani Jakoubek) of Eden Prairie, Minn., Halie (Trey) Wiegand of St. Louis, Mo., Kate Mohr of Des Moines, Nicholas (Neena) Boelter of Irvine, Calif., and Alison (Daniel) Johnson of Arnolds Park; 10 great-grandchildren, Peyton Pratt, Charlie, Emmett, Addison and Elena Rouer, Caleb Gustafson, Ashton and Ayden Boelter and Audrey and Elliot Johnson. Arma Jean is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Garry and Lonna Schroeder of Guttenberg, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Mary Newbern of Guttenberg, and four nephews and their families, Galen Schroeder, Brian Schroeder, Jeff Schroeder and Aaron Schroeder.

Arma Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Donald T. Newbern; her parents, Floyd and Ora (Haverland) Schroeder; her parents-in-law, Kenneth and Edna (Glawe) Newbern; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dean and Doretta (Zahn) Newbern; niece, Kenlyn (Newbern) Boelter; and nephew and niece-in-law, Kevin and Patricia (Johnson) Newbern.

A memorial service and inurnment will be held in the spring.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.