Myrna Poldberg

Myrna Gwen Poldberg was born on April 16, 1930, the daughter of Ellis and Bonnie Blanche (Kemp) Gearhart at the family home in rural Shelby County, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa. Myrna began her education at Center #7, also known as Windy Knoll, a country school near Harlan. She graduated with the Harlan High School Class of 1948 and went on to earn a two-year teaching certificate through Normal Training, also at Harlan High School. Myrna began her teaching career in the very place where her own education had started, Center #7 country schoolhouse.

On June 14, 1950, Myrna was united in marriage to Dale Poldberg at the First United Methodist Church Parsonage in Harlan. Together, they made their home near Jacksonville, Iowa, and were blessed with four children: Colleen, Bruce, Kelly, and Angie. She stepped away from working outside the home to dedicate herself to being a wife and raising her children, providing them with a loving and nurturing home. In 1973, she returned to the workforce as a cook at the Harlan School system, eventually serving as head cook for six years. She retired in 1995, enjoying a well-earned rest after years of service to both her family and community.

A devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Jacksonville, Myrna was active in the Women of the Church group and cherished her many friendships. She also took part in couples card clubs and found joy in spending time outdoors, whether walking or tending to her garden and flower beds. Throughout her life, Myrna shared her time and talents as a 4-H leader, Sunday school and Bible school teacher. She had a gift for hospitality and loved visiting with friends and neighbors. Myrna had a special place in her heart for children, she especially treasured the time spent with her grandchildren, passing on her cooking and baking skills to the next generation.

Myrna passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 95 years and 29 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Poldberg on May 16, 2005; and great-granddaughter, Freya Jo Christoffersen.

Myrna is survived by her children: Colleen (Lindsay) Beatty of Manilla, Bruce (Calla) Poldberg of Kimballton, Kelly Poldberg of Harlan and Angie (Todd) Madsen of Harlan; eight grandchildren: Aaron Poldberg, Neil (Stephanie) Poldberg, Heather Beatty, Seth (Laura) Poldberg, Jessica Poldberg, Amelia (Nolan) Teegerstrom, Hannah (Eric) Christoffersen and Lydia Madsen; 24 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley McDermott of Elk Horn; sister-in-law, Shirley Gearhart of Montana; and many other family members and friends.

A prayer service will be held at 3:45 p.m. and visitation with family greeting friends will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Jacksonville and interment to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Home or Myrtue Hospice.