Iona Marie (Bohn) Ansorge

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Ansorge, Iona Marie (Bohn) age 90, passed away Dec. 3, 2017 in Edina, Minn. Iona was born on Nov. 3, 1927, to Edgar B. and Marie Bohn in Fort Wayne, Ind. At a time when few women went to college, Iona was accepted to Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., where she excelled as a musician. Among her many accomplishments as a pianist, conductor and composer, she performed Grieg's Piano Concerto with the Valparaiso University Orchestra. At Valparaiso she met the love of her life, Edwin James (Jim) Ansorge, whom she married in 1949. They were a devoted couple who stayed together until Jim passed away in 2010. After they moved to Des Moines, Iowa, Iona demonstrated her lifelong passion for music as minister of music at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, choral director and teacher at Johnston High School, and music director at the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing. She was especially proud of leading a 1972 European tour of the Johnston Concert Choir and serving as coach of the Johnston girls' tennis team. In 1976 she earned a master's degree in choral conducting from the University of Iowa. Iona led an active civic life. She served as president of the women's auxiliary of the Des Moines Junior Chamber of Commerce, helping spearhead a drive that led to the creation of the Blank Park Zoo. She played a key role in the founding of Messiah Lutheran Church in Des Moines. She also started and ran her own business: Iowa Bed and Breakfast. In later years Iona and Jim retired to Colorado Springs. They joined First Lutheran Church and Iona continued to give private piano recitals. When Jim passed away, Iona moved to the Minneapolis area which rekindled her passion for painting in oils. Iona is survived by her son Rick Ansorge of Colorado Springs, and granddaughters Rebecca Franklin of Austin, Texas, and Kirsten Diggins of Seattle, who fondly knew her as "Gran." She also is survived by her daughter Shelley Ansorge (husband Mark) of Minneapolis, two step grand-daughters and five step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Norman Bohn. Iona dearly loved her family and friends. She touched many lives with her music and will be greatly missed. Her family extends heartfelt thanks for the expert and compassionate care of Michelle and Eric of First Fiduciary and the staff of Walker Care Suites. A Celebration of Life service will honor Iona at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Funeral Chapel, 5000 West 50th St., Edina, MN 55436. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, 2802 N. Prospect St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907; or First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

Published on December 17, 2017