The Superior Express -

Henrietta Sophia Grauerholz, the daughter of Fred Dittmer and Caroline "Lena" (Meyer) Dittmer, was born Jan. 9, 1930, at the family home in Republic County, Kansas and died on April 15, 2024. She died at the family home at the age of 94 years.

Henrietta grew up and attended Prairie Dell, District 77 School, in rural Republic County and graduated from Byron High School in 1947. She also attended Fairbury Junior College, the summer of 1947, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught for two years at District 62 in Nuckolls County, Nebraska. She later worked for Reinke Lumber in Byron in the early 1950s.  Henrietta became the Byron Public Library assistant librarian in 1964.  In the 1980s she became the librarian and served in that role until she retired in 2015.

She was united in marriage to Vernon W. Grauerholz on April 18, 1954. To this union was born, Sandra and Dana.

Henrietta was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she was active in WELCA, and taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Byron American Legion Auxiliary. Henrietta enjoyed needlework, gardening, farming, traveling and crossword puzzles. She was an active participant in the NCK Free Fair for many years.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Caroline "Lena" Dittmer, and her husband, Vernon W. Grauerholz in 1997. 

She is survived by one sister, Deanna (Jimmie) Wittstruck of Omaha; one daughter, Sandra D. (Greg) Braden of Topeka; one son, Dana A. (Jeanette) Grauerholz of St. Marys, Kansas; three grandchildren, Brett (Emily) Grauerholz, Travis Grauerholz, and Laura Grauerholz Hanus (Mike); Two great-grandchildren, Noah and Isaac Grauerholz; other relatives, and friends.

Her funeral was held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, rural Byron with Vicar Jack R. Roegner, officiating.

Interment followed at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Henrietta Grauerholz Memorial Fund at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Online condolences at www.bach elor-surber.com

      Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, assisted the family with the arrangements.