Iona Trapp, age 108, of Twin Valley, MN, died on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at the Twin Valley Living Center.

Iona Amelia Yackel, the youngest child and only daughter of William and Emma (Heydlauff) Yackel, was born on August 9, 1909, in Sanborn, MN.   Growing up in the early 20th century, Iona helped her parents with so many necessary tasks we take for granted each day, including walking to town to get supplies and milk for the family's meals every day.   Iona attended school in Sanborn, graduating with the class of 1927, which was an amazing feat for a young woman in that generation.  She then attended nursing school in Rochester, MN, before returning to Sanborn to take a position at Peake's General Store.  Iona was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sanborn.  It was in this church where Iona met fellow parishioner, Clarence Trapp, who would become the love of her life.  After a short courtship of nine months, Iona and Clarence were married on May 1, 1930, and made their home on the Trapp family farm.  Together they were blessed with five children: Jerome, Arlen, Elaine, Iona E., and Clare.  In 1933, they sold the farm and moved to Evan, MN, where they owned and operated a produce store and gas station for three years.  The family then moved to Mahnomen County, MN, where they entered back into the life of farming.   They farmed together in Popple Grove Township, near Waubun, MN, for nearly 40 years.  In addition to raising the children and farming, Iona also owned and managed the Little Red Grocery Store in Twin Valley from 1954 until 1956.  Following their retirement in the early 1980's, Iona and Clarence moved off the farm and into Waubun and shortly thereafter relocated a few miles north to Mahnomen, MN.  In 1986, they purchased a new home in Twin Valley where they enjoyed their golden years together until Clarence's death in 1993.   Iona remained in her own house until 2004 when at the age of 95 she suffered a heart attack and entered the Twin Valley Living Center.  She has made the Living Center her home for the past 13 years.  Iona passed away peaceful on August 30th after a wonderful 108 years of life.

Iona lived and shared a true history book of her life spanning over a generation. Having lived through two World Wars, prohibition, the great depression, the rise of women's rights, space exploration, ever-changing technology, and many presidents, Iona experienced history most of us only read about.  She enjoyed telling stories of days gone before and learning new things every day.  Iona's hands were never idle and she didn't shy away from the duties of a farmwife. She made multiple meals each day for the harvesters, as well as the numerous other chores that had to be done to keep the operation going.  Iona was a wonderful cook and was well known for her bread and pies, both of which were a treat for her children and grandchildren.  She was strong and steadfast in her faith.  Iona had been an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen and later of Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley.  Over the years, Iona served as an officer for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the Ladies Aid, as well as taught Sunday School.  Iona also served as church organist for many years, a job that, as a servant of the Lord, filled her heart.  She was blessed to have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land in the mid-1950's and her love of travel also took her to Germany, Hawaii and other wonderful destinations.  Iona had many wonderful memories and her heart was full of love for her family.

Iona is survived by two sons,  Jerome (Gladys) of Mahnomen, and Arlen (Katherine) of Shohola, PA;  two daughters, Elaine (Kenneth) Going of Grafton, WI, and Iona E. Trapp of Corvallis, OR; one son-in-law, Dennis Rogers of Green Valley, AZ; 16 grandchildren: Andrew Meier, Peter Meier, Mary Oberlander, Naomi Trapp-Davis, Sara Poullette, Mark Going, Jon Going, Sian Schultz, Stephen Trapp, Mark Rogers, Debbie Trapp, Marlene Trapp, Jerry Trapp, Robert Trapp, Richard Trapp, and Becky Trapp; and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Clare Rogers; a grandson, Matthew; several great grandchildren; and five brothers.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 2:00pm before the funeral at the church.  Interment will be at Riverside Memorial Park in Mahnomen.