Cecelia Mattie Harms Fistler went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 3, 2023. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Cecelia was born on March 13, 1931, to Harm C. and Gertrude (Aikes) Harms of Steamboat Rock, Iowa.
She graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in 1949 and married Harold Louis Fistler of Ackley, Iowa on November 3, 1950. They adopted two children, Brian Keith and Diane Kay and raised their family in Eldora, Iowa. Cecelia was an employee of Whink Product Company for over 40 years. She was a lifelong member of the Steamboat Rock Presbyterian Church and was active in the Iowa River Valley Conservation Club, serving breakfast each Sunday for many years. She was able to visit 49 of 50 states through annual family vacations. Her last two years were spent in the loving care of her son and daughter-in-law in North Carolina.
Cecelia is preceded in death by her father, Harm C. Harms, her mother, Gertrude Aikes Harms, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and husband of 55 years. Cecelia is survived by her son Brian (Brenda) Fistler of Thomasville, NC, her daughter Diane (Craig) Zimmerman of Bristol, IL, and her granddaughter Samantha (Issak) Kleese of Washington, IA. She is also survived by brother John Harms of Eldora, IA, and her sister Gladys Geiken of Des Moines, IA, along with many nieces and nephews.
Interment will be held at a date to be determined at the Steamboat Rock Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials should be directed to the Steamboat Rock Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock, Iowa.
Nicholson Funerals & Cremations, Thomasville Chapel has the honor of serving the family.
Drinking from My Saucer
I've never made a fortune,
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much.
I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for His blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
"Cause my cup has overflowed.
O, remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe
about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
"Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
"Cause my cup has overflowed.