Angie Purcell

Angie Beatrice Purcell was born on a farm north of Woodbine on September 28, 1912, to Lawrence and Emma Schneider. Angie completed her education through the 8th grade at the Mud Creek country school near Woodbine. On July 31, 1935, Angie married Wallace Purcell. While Wallace worked with his father, Joe, as a carpenter, Angie became a homemaker in their residence on the south end of Weare Street in Woodbine. Shortly after the advent of World War II, the family moved from Weare Street to an acreage, known locally as The Brick Yard, on the western city limits of Woodbine. In 1944 the family moved to Odebolt, Iowa, for six months. In the summer of 1945, the family returned to Woodbine, where both Wallace and Angie spent the remainder of their lives. After her children were in school, Angie worked in the food service program at the Woodbine Community Schools. Life took a tragic turn for Angie on February 14, 1968, when Wallace died suddenly while hospitalized in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Angie remained at their Weare Street residence and worked for several local businesses, including Barnum's Produce. In 1969, Angie discovered a talent that provided her with enjoyment and extra income for many years. She became an accomplished artist in oil painting, her subjects being rustic scenes and wildlife. Her "canvas" consisted of weathered barn wood. Angie's success as an artist brought her both notoriety and customers. She was featured in the Omaha World Herald as a noteworthy local artist. Many of her paintings can still be found in homes and businesses in western Iowa.

Besides her art, Angie enjoyed playing cards, dancing, as well as socializing with her friends. In 2006 Angie reluctantly left her home of nearly sixty years and became a resident of Rose Vista Nursing Home.

Angie died on October 15, 2011, at the Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine at the age of 99 years and 17 days.

Angie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wallace; two brothers, Carl and Orville Schneider; sisters, Vivian Reis, Bernese Barnum, Bessie Reis, and Opal, who died in infancy. She is survived by her children Larry (Ruby) of Fort Dodge, IA, Jerry (Mary Lea) of Cedar Falls, IA, Lynn (Deb) of Ames, IA, and Linda Rogers (Tom) of Sauk Rapids, MN; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister Wanda Carrier of Odebolt, IA; and many other relatives and friends.