Joanne Gorla

Joanne Gorla, 97, died January 15, 2014, at the Almond Gardens Care Facility in Auburn, California.

Joanne was born February 2, 1916, the daughter of Conrad and Anna (Wondra) Baeumler. Joanne attended Washington Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High in 1933. She retired from Communications Data Services in 1983 after many years of service. Joanne was a member of St Anthony Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, and a Charter member of AARP Chapter 153. Joanne was an avid fisherman, league bowler, and enjoyed walking up to four miles a day. She loved to be outdoors working in her flower and vegetable gardens and tending to her bird feeders. She also enjoyed the many activities at SE 5th Street Senior Center. Joanne lived her life in Des Moines from birth until December, 2009, when at the age of 92 she moved to Auburn, CA to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Roseanne (Bill) Pfaff of Auburn, CA; grandchildren, Manuel and Leia Pfaff. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; sister, Anne Hancock and brother, Joseph Baeumler.

Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2014, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary, on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines.

In loving memory of Joanne, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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