Blanche M. Costello, age 99 of Williamsburg, died Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg following a brief illness. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 10, 2009, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Williamsburg with Fr. Joseph Roost and Fr. Brian Shepley officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery, Millersburg, IA. Friends may call from 4 to 8 P.M. Monday, March 9, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hall, Williamsburg where a rosary will be recited at 7 P.M. A memorial fund has been established. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her daughter Rita Stahl and husband George of Williamsburg, 16 grandchildren Tricia VanHintom, Wannetta Meyer, Jim Newberry, Diane Hayes, Connie Scovin, Bobby Murtha, Greg Murtha, Chris Miller, Marsha White, Lou Ann Martinson, Sheri Wetjen, Gary Stahl, Barb Grauer, Lori Beemer, Stuart Stahl, and Michelle Sims; 42 great-grandchildren, Chris, Brad, Heather and Sean VanHintom, Dena Meyer, Ashlinn and Jordan Newberry, Brian and Kevin Hayes, Cecily and Carson Scovin, Amanda, Rachael and Michael Murtha, Emily Murtha, Jenny, Jacob and Jillian Miller, Carisa , Larry, Cameron and Keelan Driscoll, Shawn, Corey, Nick and Vince Martinson, Felicia Holbrook, Kyle and Lee Wetjen, Jacob and Evan Stahl, Anna, Aaren and Tyler Grauer, Molly and Tony Enochson, Dalton and Timmy Beemer, Nathan and Paige Stahl, and Chandler and Garet Sims, 14 great-great grandchildren, Kansas and Adrian VanHintom, Mason Hayes, Victoria, Elleh, and Keely Driscoll, Adilyn Driscoll, Shelby and Alexis Martinson, Brendt Holbrook, Bryson Wetjen, and Kaden, Braylon and Grady Wetjen and a son-in-law, Robert Murtha of Victor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Myles, a son Bobby Costello, two daughters, Helen Newberry and Onie Murtha, a great granddaughter, a sister, Beatrice Oliphant, and two brothers, Virgil and Don Roggentine.

Blanche Margaret Roggentine was born September 6, 1909 in Milllersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Dora Smith Roggentine. She received her education in the Iowa County schools and married Myles Costello on February 16, 1925 in North English, Iowa. The couple farmed and also owned and operated the Hometown Café in Millersburg for a number of years. Later, Blanche worked as a cook at the Landmark Inn and the Raider Drive-In in Williamsburg. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg, the Altar and Rosary Society, the Birthday Club and TOPS.