Phyllis 'Arlene' Galbraith

Phyllis Arlene (Struve) Galbraith was born April 27, 1928 on a farm near Linn Grove, Iowa to Walter and Jennie (French) Struve. All her life she was known as Arlene. Her early years were spent growing up on the farm where her favorite pastime was playing with the cats, which developed her love for cats. She graduated from Rossie High School in 1945, in which she enjoyed participating on the basketball team. This sparked interest in watching all kinds of basketball games throughout her life. In the Fall, Arlene went on to Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) and got her teaching degree. She also enjoyed a continuing education summer in Colorado Springs in which she often reminisced. She taught first grade for 5 years in Muscatine, Early and Sioux City, Iowa. On September 22, 1952, she married Dwight Galbraith. They were married at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, IA. They established their home on the farm 2 miles north of Dickens and that is where she lived the remainder of her life. There were 15 children were born into this marriage. Dwight passed away October 30, 1992. Arlene loved children and had a way with children. Her kind, gentle mannerisms gravitated children toward her. She was very good natured, patient, and never let stress bother her. The remainder of her life was spent nurturing her children, making ends meet by gardening, canning, cooking large meals, sewing, and helping with the chores and farming operation. Even after all her children had left the nest, she always made Sunday dinners and it was the thread that continued to draw them to the farm on Sunday. Later in life, Arlene enjoyed feeding and watching birds come to the window. Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Dwight, parents, Walter and Jennie Struve, brother Lloyd Struve, and 2 children, Ann Galbraith Schuster and Leslie Galbraith. Left to cherish her memory are: sister Millie Scharnberg Spencer, IA, special cousin Marlyn Blair Spencer IA, sister-in-law Marian Appel Spencer IA, children Mary Bakken (Brad) Orono MN, Lynn Galbraith (Cinda Heinrichs), Dickens IA, Kim Galbraith (Jan) Spencer IA, Brian Galbraith, Seward Alaska, Kelly Galbraith (Gayla) Jackson MN, Holly Willey (Dain) Seattle WA, Tracy Galbraith (Sondra) Spencer IA, Roger Galbraith (Jeanne) Spencer IA, Robin Barnes (Dean) Spencer IA, Colleen Mueller (Jon) Eagle River, Alaska, Mark Galbraith (Tracy) Milford IA, Todd Galbraith (Sonia) Quebec Canada, Sheila Galbraith (Scott Zielski) Muskego WI, 16 grandchildren, several step grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Special recognition is credited to our sister Robin, local brothers and their spouses, for the long term loving care given to our mother, granting her wish to continue to live in her home on the farm after her health failed. Our mother left us the gift of each other and wonderful childhood memories filled with fun and laughter. We feel so lucky to have had her as our mother. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials to Gentiva Hospice, 1370 Lake St. Spirit Lake, IA 51360.

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