Gladys Romedahl

Gladys Romedahl was a person of warmth, intellect, and vision, an activist for humanitarian concerns, and a gifted poet and artist.

Gladys Romedahl was born January 28, 1893, in Grinnell, the daughter of Catherine and George Washington Bonebright. After spending her early years in Webster City, she was adopted in 1901 by Will and Lillie Cree of near Luther.

She married Joe Romedahl in 1920. Mrs. Romedahl was a graduate of Simpson Academy in Indianola, and attended Simpson College, later teaching school in Carson and near Stratford. The Romedahls lived in the Luther-Napier area before moving to Boone. They established Wayside Park, near Luther, and operated it without charge for the 16 years it was open.

Mrs. Romedahl was a poet, with works published in magazines and anthologies. She was a member of the Iowa Poetry Association and served as a district chairman for ten years. She participated in the I.P.A. workshops, and organized (at age 80) the Write-On-Club. She was a member of the Boone United Methodist Church, and was the first president of the Woman's Society of Christian Service in Luther. She was president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and established the annual American Legion citizenship award in the Luther, Napier and Madrid high schools. She was a member of the Boone Women's Club for 35 years.

Mrs Romedahl had two daughters: Josephine Said and Dr. Mildred Steele. She died at the age of 90 on Feb. 11, 1983.

Night Ride

We flow along the highway
With a sweep as soft as wings
Between close walls of darkness
Concealing daytime things.

With the steady purring rhythm
Of the motor, as it sings
The fleeting lights we meet tonight
Are beads on golden strings.

-- Gladys Romedahl

Submitted on 12/11/94