NVCC Center Remembers Annie Fietsam
Today, Navidad Valley Community Connections (NVCC) wants to focus a little bit on one of its favorite members who passed away on Dec. 19, 2020, our dear Annie Fietsam.
Nancy Hay, NVCC Executive Director, commented to me that “Annie was with us from the start,” meaning that Annie was a regular attendee ever since NVCC has been in operation. She always came to the Center on Wednesday, for sure, to play bingo. Annie just loved to play bingo and was always donating bingo prizes. She was always up for a bus trip to the casinos anytime and, as she advanced in age, she was eternally grateful for all the individuals who provided assistance to her as her mobility declined, because she really liked going on those trips.
Annie loved coming to Crafty Corner and had an affinity for decorating/painting 4x4 tiles. At that time, she got to keep the tiles she created, but what she did with them once she got them home was truly special. Annie personalized those tiles she had painted for her children and grandchildren. She used their own pictures on them and made it a gift from her heart to theirs. What she left each of them was a part of her legacy, a part of her soul, and a tangible remembrance of her.
She gave of herself selflessly in our community. Annie attended Schulenburg High School. She and her husband, John Joseph Fietsam, met at Freyburg Hall and they were later married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at High Hill. Annie has always been a part of Schulenburg, and she will always be a part of Schulenburg.
They were prominent business owners and John Fietsam served on the Schulenburg City Council. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, as they were quite prominent in the Schulenburg area. There were even days when Annie would bring her grandson, Andy Behlen, down to the center to visit with her and Nancy and her team would get to pick his brain for editorial advice and tips, which were very much appreciated. Whether working with American Legion Auxiliary, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, or coming to NVCC, her exuberant smile preceded her and she was a generous contributor to all of her time, talent, and treasure.
Annie was always smiling. You could see and feel the fervor of her life. It had to do with her positive outlook on life. Annie always looked on the bright side of things. She lived the way we are supposed to live. While we all miss our dear Annie Fietsam, she left us a shining example of what a life of service to others looks like. Rest in peace, you will be missed, our dear Annie Fietsam.
NVCC is Navidad Valley Community Connections is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide a multipurpose organization that initiates, sponsors, and promotes events, activities, and projects which enhance the quality of life for older adults in Schulenburg and the surrounding communities.