Elmarie L. Klimesh, 58 of Columbia passed away Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Boone Hospital Center.

Mass will be held at 5:30 pm, Friday, October 5, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be at 2 pm, Saturday, October 6, 2012 in Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton, IA.

Elmarie was born July 20, 1954 in New Hampton, IA to Elmer and Martha Woldan Klimesh.

She graduated from South Winneshiek High School in Calmar, IA in 1972. She received her ADN in 1979 from Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, IA. Elmarie attained a BSN degree in 1989 from Metro State College in Denver, CO.

Elmarie was united in marriage to Craig Bartel in June 1987 in Denver, CO. They later divorced.

Elmarie was a dedicated nurse for 38 years, she strived to help others when they were ill. She was a certified nephrology nurse for many years and was recognized for excellence in nursing in 2006 at the University of Missouri Hospital.

She is survived by her brothers, Wenceslaus (Christa) of Radcliff, KY, Gerald (Mary) of Cuba City, WI; sister, Marcia Knutson (Norman) of New Hampton, IA, step-children, Carrie Bartel and Amanda Potthoff (David) and 10 nieces and nephews.

Elmarie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Maryett Rowell and a nephew, Christopher Klimesh.