12/04/2014
Eloise Margaret (Bucklew) Langstraat age 84 of Oskaloosa, Iowa and formerly of New Sharon, Iowa passed away Thursday at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Burial in the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon, Iowa.
Margaret Eloise Bucklew was the daughter of William and Bessie Miley Bucklew. Eloise attended the Valley Country School and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947. She attended Iowa State Teacher’s college and graduated in 1949. She later attended classes at William Penn College. Eloise taught at Flemming County School in Marion County and Grandville which was west of Taintor.
While teaching at Grandville, she met Henry J (Hank) Langstraat. Soon after their engagement, Hank was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict. While Hank served his country, Eloise continued to teach. After Hank’s military discharge, they were married July 13, 1953 in Knoxville, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Marlene and John.
In 1960 they began their own farming operation and purchased their own farm in 1962 west of New Sharon. This was a long sought out dream and both worked hard together making it a successful farming operation and providing for their family. She provided for her family by growing a large garden and preserving the produce. She was an accomplished seamstress and provided clothing for her family.
During the 1970’s, Eloise was a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher at North Mahaska Elementary. She was a uniquely gifted in teaching children of all abilities.
She was a long and active member of the New Sharon United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. Eloise and Hank taught Sunday school together for 19 years. She was a 4-H leader for many years.
After retiring from the farm, Hank and Eloise traveled and wintered in the south. They also enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair and were member of the Excel Campers Club.
Their favorite activity was spending time with their granddaughters. On August 4, 2008, Hank passed away. Eloise will be remembered by her deep loved for her family and always putting their needs before her own.
Margaret Eloise (Bucklew) Langstraat
Birth: Dec. 13, 1929 – Knoxville, Marion County, Iowa
Death: Dec. 4, 2014 – Oskaloosa, Mahaska County,Iowa
Father: William Delbert Bucklew (1886 – 1962)
Mother: Bessie A. Miley Bucklew (1891 – 1968)
Spouse: Henry John Langstraat (1927 – 2008)
Sibbling: Miley Lavern Bucklew (1921-1975)
Burial: New Sharon Friends Cemetery, Mahaska County, Iowa