CHEROKEE, IA – Loretta (Nioce) Rosenthal, 93, of Cherokee died August 24, 2017, of complications due to pneumonia and COPD.
Loretta was born on December 5, 1923, on the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Common Land. She was the daughter of Charles and Alice Nioce and graduated from Holton High School. She married the love of her life Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal on June 17, 1948. Together they lived in Cedar Falls and Waterloo before moving to Cherokee where they remained and raised their three children. In addition to being a loving and devoted wife and mother, Loretta also worked as a telegraph operator for the railroad in Remsen, IA and as a secretary for Olsen Transfer in Cherokee, IA. Over the years she was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee and the American Legion Auxiliary of Aurelia. Loretta was also a member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation. Loretta loved to attend pow-wows, church, and family gatherings in Kansas and never missed the chance to spend a little time in the casino as well!
Loretta remained astoundingly independent and tenacious throughout her entire life and could rarely be found sitting down for any length of time. She held Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at her house for her family every year and loved having company over. She was involved in numerous quilt clubs and other groups in the Cherokee area. Loretta qualified as a master seamstress and everyone in the family received quilts and other special creations that are treasured. Loretta cared deeply about her friends and family and was always there to help them in whatever way needed.
Loretta is survived by three children: Charles Rosenthal of Cherokee; Shirley (Kenn) Kirby of Calmar, Iowa; and Judy Rosenthal of Minneapolis, Minn.; four grandchildren, Jennifer Peterson of Alta; Jon (Monica) Rosenthal of Sioux City; Kelly Kirby (Carrie Sharp) of Winona, Minn.; and Thomas (Elisabeth) Kirby of Mason City; and six great-grandchildren, Chris, Melinda, Samantha, Kara, Jude, and James. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; and five siblings, Vestina, Edgar, Isabelle, Inez and Jeanette.