Mae Jaster

Mae C. Jaster, 94, of Bellevue, died Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Johns Lutheran Church, Bellevue, where friends may call from 9:00 to11:00 also at the church. Burial will be in St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery. Mae was born the oldest of four children of Emma (Johnsrud) and Joel Clark in Boardman Township in Clayton County, Iowa. After High school, she attended Elkader Junior College and attained a teaching certificate and taught several years in the Clayton County schools. She married Lawrence Jaster on June 1, 1940 and in 1943 they moved to Bellevue when Lawrence accepted employment at G.M. Gibson. In 1947 Mae, Lawrence, and family began preparation to build a home at 702 N. Second Street; which remained their home until Maes move to Mill Valley. Mae and Lawrence actually made their own cement blocks used in the construction of their homes affirmed by the blocks with the Valentine on the side, which were made on February 14th. Mae and family moved into the home and spent the first winter living in the bedroom portion of the home with oil burners providing the heat. Beverly at the time was old enough to help drill holes, helping her dad lay the flooring. Mae and Lawrence also became an avid BHS basketball fan when their son Jim was growing up. Mae worked at the Bellevue Memorial Hospital for many years as a Nurses Aide and later taught in the Jackson County school system. May also filled in as a substitute teacher at BHS. Mae enjoyed traveling with Lawrence after his retirement, in their motor home. They visited past Bellevue residents, family and friends. Because Lawrences love of fishing, they were usually parked next to the Gulf Coast, lakes, or rivers. Mae enjoyed knitting, crocheting and reading books. Mae is survived by her three children; Beverly (Anthony) Habeger of Clermont, Iowa; L. Milo (Vickie) Jaster of Peoria, Illinois; and Jamie (Donna) Jaster of Waverly, Minnesota. Nine grandchildren; Cece ( Brett) Toms, Travis (Sharon) Jaster, Eric (Alisha) Jaster, Darren Jaster, Litza Ritter, Laurel Jaster, Kristen (Derrick) Palmer, Micah Jaster, and Hannah Jaster. Six great-grandchildren; Seth and Tanner Habeger, Maverick Ritter, Garrett Jaster, Olivia Habeger, and Ava Mae Palmer. Two sisters; Jean Clark Kaldahl, and Rose Jackson Turner, and several nieces and Nephews. Mae is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence; brother, Milo; and brother in-law, Charles Kaldahl.